North Epirus Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About North Epirus Stamps
North Epirus, a region in southern Albania, has a complex postal history tied to its contested status between Greece and Albania. Although officially part of Albania, the region has a significant Greek-speaking population, which is reflected in the bilingual or Greek inscriptions found on some of its provisional postal issues. The region experienced periods of self-governance and military occupation, notably during and immediately following World War I, leading to the issuance of distinct provisional stamps reflecting these turbulent administrative transitions. These issues are highly localized and represent a brief, politically charged chapter in Balkan postal history.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1940 – 1941
- Languages:
- Greek, Albanian
- Currency:
- GRD
- Parent issuer:
- Albania
Stamp Catalogs
North Epirus stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular North Epirus Stamp Series
Italian Occupation Issues (1940-1941)
Stamps issued under Italian occupation, often overprinted on Albanian stamps, reflecting the brief Italian control of the region during World War II.
Provisional Issues (1914-1916)
Early provisional issues from the period of autonomous government, often featuring local overprints on Greek or Turkish stamps, though outside the specified date range, they are crucial for understanding the entity's postal history.
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North Epirus Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of North Epirus stamps varies significantly based on the specific issue, overprint, condition, and rarity. Early provisional issues (1914-1916) are generally more valuable than the later Italian occupation overprints (1940-1941). Unused stamps with original gum and rare varieties or errors command higher prices.
How to Identify North Epirus Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying North Epirus stamps:
- 1 Look for overprints on Albanian stamps, often in Italian or Greek, indicating Italian occupation.
- 2 Examine the designs for specific motifs or inscriptions related to the region or occupation forces.
- 3 Check for bilingual inscriptions (Greek and Albanian) on some provisional issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are North Epirus stamps?
North Epirus stamps are provisional postal issues from a region in southern Albania with a significant Greek population, which experienced periods of self-governance and military occupation, particularly during and immediately after World War I, and again during World War II under Italian occupation. These stamps reflect the turbulent political history of the area.
Are North Epirus stamps valuable?
Yes, some North Epirus stamps can be quite valuable, especially the earlier provisional issues from 1914-1916 and rare varieties or errors from the Italian occupation period (1940-1941). Their value depends heavily on rarity, condition, and the specific overprint or issue. Common stamps might be worth a few euros, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands.
How can I identify North Epirus stamps?
To identify North Epirus stamps, look for overprints on Albanian or Greek stamps, often in Italian or Greek text, indicating the occupation or provisional status. Key identifiers include specific overprint designs, dates, and the underlying stamp design. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamp to known issues and provide more details.
Which catalogs list North Epirus stamps?
North Epirus stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, descriptions, and estimated values for various issues from the region.
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