Lithuania Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Lithuania Stamps
Lithuania is a Baltic state in Northern Europe, historically situated at the crossroads of major European powers. Its complex postal history reflects periods of Russian Imperial, German, and Soviet control, punctuated by two significant interwar and modern independent eras. Stamps primarily feature the Lithuanian language, though Russian or Polish may appear during periods of foreign administration. The country's postal system underwent major transitions following its re-establishment of independence in 1990, ultimately adopting the Euro in 2015.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Northern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1918 β present
- Languages:
- Lithuanian, Russian, Polish, German
- Currency:
- EUR
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Stamp Catalogs
Lithuania stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Lithuania Stamp Series
First Issues (1918-1920) (1918-1920)
Lithuania's initial stamps, often featuring local overprints on German issues or early definitive designs, highly sought after by collectors.
Airmail Issues (1921-1930s) (1921-1930s)
A significant period for airmail stamps, including the famous 'Lithuania' overprints on German issues and early definitive airmail sets.
Interwar Definitives (1920s-1930s)
Various definitive series issued during the first period of independence, depicting national symbols, historical figures, and landscapes.
Lithuania Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues, especially those with rare overprints, errors, or significant postal history, command the highest prices. Stamps from the Soviet occupation period are generally less valuable, while modern issues are typically affordable.
How to Identify Lithuania Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Lithuania stamps:
- 1 Look for 'LIETUVA' (Lithuania) as the primary country inscription on most independent issues.
- 2 During periods of occupation, stamps may bear inscriptions in Russian (e.g., 'ΠΠΎΡΡΠ° Π‘Π‘Π‘Π ') or German (e.g., 'Deutsche Post Ostland').
- 3 Early issues often feature distinctive local overprints on foreign stamps.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lithuania stamps?
Lithuania stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal authorities of Lithuania, reflecting its complex history through periods of independence, Russian Imperial, German, and Soviet control. They primarily feature the Lithuanian language, though other languages appear during occupations.
Are Lithuania stamps valuable?
The value of Lithuania stamps varies significantly. Early issues from the first independence period (1918-1940), especially those with rare overprints, errors, or significant postal history, can be very valuable, ranging from hundreds to thousands of Euros. Stamps from the Soviet era are generally less valuable, while modern issues are typically affordable, often in the β¬0.50 to β¬5 range for common examples.
How can I identify Lithuania stamps?
To identify Lithuania stamps, look for the country name 'LIETUVA' on independent issues. During occupation periods, you might see inscriptions in Russian, German, or Polish. Pay attention to overprints, watermarks, and historical context. For precise identification and catalog numbers, use a philatelic catalog like Scott or Michel, or utilize a stamp identifier app which can help recognize stamps from images.
Which catalogs list Lithuania stamps?
Lithuania stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Europa-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (for earlier periods) and other European catalogs.
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