Italian Post Crete Stamps
Italian Post Crete refers to the postal administration established by the Kingdom of Italy on the island of Crete, located in the Eastern Mediterranean. This administration operated during the period of the Cretan State and subsequent international control, primarily serving the Italian military and civilian presence in the region.
- Issued stamps
- 1900–1907
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- ITL
- Languages
- Italian
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Italy
About Italian Post Crete stamps
Stamps issued under this authority typically feature Italian language inscriptions, reflecting the administrative control of the Kingdom of Italy. The postal service ceased operations following shifts in international administration and the eventual integration of Crete into the Kingdom of Greece.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- CRETA
- CRETA POSTE ITALIANE
How to identify Italian Post Crete stamps
- Look for 'CRETA' or 'CRETA POSTE ITALIANE' overprints on Italian stamps.
- Stamps will feature Italian language inscriptions and often the portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III.
- Pay attention to the specific type and color of the overprint, as varieties exist.
Popular series
-
Overprints on Italian Stamps
1900-1906
Italian stamps overprinted with 'CRETA' or 'CRETA POSTE ITALIANE' for use in the Italian postal offices on Crete.
-
King Victor Emmanuel III Issues
1900-1906
Definitive stamps featuring King Victor Emmanuel III, specifically issued or overprinted for Crete.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €1–€20
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€1,000+
Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint varieties, and cancellations. Early issues and errors are more valuable.
Catalogs. Italian Post Crete stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Italian Post Crete stamps
Italian Post Crete stamps were issued by the Kingdom of Italy for use in its postal administration on the island of Crete between 1900 and 1907. These stamps primarily served the Italian military and civilian presence during the period of the Cretan State and international control.
The value of Italian Post Crete stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare overprints, errors, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Factors like condition, specific overprint variety, and cancellation significantly impact value.
To identify Italian Post Crete stamps, look for Italian stamps bearing overprints such as 'CRETA' or 'CRETA POSTE ITALIANE'. They will feature Italian language and often the portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Italian Post Crete stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (as 'Crete, Italian Post Office'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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