Modena Stamps
The Duchy of Modena, located in Northern Italy, was a sovereign state in Europe until its incorporation into the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Its postal history is characterized by issues from the pre-unification period, often featuring Italian dialects or French alongside Italian.
- Issued stamps
- 1852–1860
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- ITL
- Languages
- Italian, French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Modena stamps
The stamps reflect its status as an independent duchy, later transitioning to the unified Italian postal system following the Risorgimento.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Modena stamps
- Look for the Modenese Eagle design, often with a crown.
- Denominations are typically in 'centesimi' or 'lire'.
- Early issues are imperforate.
- Check for overprints on later issues, indicating provisional government use.
Popular series
-
First Issue
1852
The inaugural set of stamps for the Duchy, featuring the Modenese Eagle and various denominations.
-
Provisional Government Issue
1859
Stamps issued by the Provisional Government of Modena during the political upheavals leading to unification, often overprinted.
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
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€10,000+
Early issues, especially unused or with rare cancellations, can be highly valuable. Provisional government overprints are also sought after.
Catalogs. Modena 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 Modena stamps
Modena stamps are postage stamps issued by the Duchy of Modena, an independent state in Northern Italy, from 1852 until its incorporation into the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. They represent a significant period in Italian postal history.
Yes, many Modena stamps can be quite valuable, particularly the early imperforate issues, rare cancellations, and provisional government overprints. Values can range from a few euros for common used examples to thousands for rare, unused, or historically significant pieces.
Modena stamps are primarily identified by their distinctive designs, often featuring the Modenese Eagle. Key indicators include the 'centesimi' or 'lire' denominations and the 'DUCATI DI MODENA' inscription. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Modena stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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