Romanian Post Konstantinopel Stamps
Romanian Post Konstantinopel refers to the postal agency established by the Principality of Romania in Constantinople (modern Istanbul), located in Southeastern Europe and Western Asia. This agency operated under special arrangements outside the main Romanian territory, primarily serving the Romanian community and diplomatic interests in the Ottoman capital.
- Issued stamps
- 1919–1919
- Region
- Europe, Southeastern Europe
- Currency
- RON
- Languages
- Romanian, French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Romania
History and background
Stamps issued for this service typically bear Romanian inscriptions alongside the city name, often reflecting the late 19th or early 20th century period before the full integration of Romanian postal services within international standards. The existence of this office highlights Romania's engagement with the Balkans and the Ottoman sphere of influence during a period of significant geopolitical change.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for Romanian stamps (often King Ferdinand I issues) with an overprint indicating 'Constantinople' or 'Konstantinopel' in Romanian or French.
- Examine the overprint for specific typefaces and details, as forgeries and unauthorized overprints exist. Authentic overprints are usually in black or blue-black ink.
Popular series
-
Constantinople Issue
1919
The primary and only known issue for this postal agency, typically overprinted on contemporary Romanian stamps for use in Constantinople.
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
- €100–€500+
Values vary significantly based on the base Romanian stamp used for the overprint, the specific overprint variety, and condition. Unused stamps are generally more valuable than used, especially if they bear clear Constantinople cancellations.
Catalogs. Romanian Post Konstantinopel 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 Romanian Post Konstantinopel stamps
Romanian Post Konstantinopel stamps were issued by the postal agency established by the Principality of Romania in Constantinople (modern Istanbul) in 1919. These stamps were regular Romanian issues overprinted for use specifically within this foreign post office, serving the Romanian community and diplomatic interests in the Ottoman capital.
Yes, Romanian Post Konstantinopel stamps can be quite valuable, especially those in good condition, with clear overprints, and authentic cancellations. Their value depends on the specific base stamp used, the overprint variety, and rarity. Common examples might fetch €5-€50, while rare varieties or errors can command hundreds of Euros.
To identify Romanian Post Konstantinopel stamps, look for Romanian postage stamps, typically from the early 20th century, bearing an overprint that reads 'Constantinople' or 'Konstantinopel'. Pay close attention to the details of the overprint, as forgeries are known. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Romanian Post Konstantinopel stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under Romania, Foreign Post Offices), Michel (under Romania, Auslandspostämter), and Stanley Gibbons (under Romania, Post Offices Abroad). These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values.
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