Samos Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Samos Stamps
Samos is a large Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Eastern Aegean island group of Greece. Historically, Samos enjoyed a period of autonomy as the Principality of Samos under Ottoman suzerainty before joining the Kingdom of Greece in 1912. Stamps issued during its autonomous period often featured Greek text alongside Turkish or local inscriptions, reflecting its unique political status. Following its incorporation into Greece, Samos adopted the standard Greek postal system, with stamps primarily denominated in Greek drachmas and later euros.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1912 – 1915
- Languages:
- Greek, Turkish
- Currency:
- GRD
- Parent issuer:
- Greece
Stamp Catalogs
Samos stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Samos Stamp Series
Provisional Issues (1912) (1912)
Stamps of the Ottoman Empire overprinted with 'ΣΑΜΟΣ' (Samos) and new denominations, reflecting the island's brief period of autonomy before union with Greece.
Greek Stamps Overprinted (1912-1913) (1912-1913)
Greek stamps overprinted with 'ΣΑΜΟΣ' for local use, indicating the transition period.
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Samos Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The provisional issues of 1912, especially those with rare overprint varieties or errors, can command significant prices. Later issues, particularly those using standard Greek stamps, are generally less valuable unless in pristine condition or part of a complete set.
How to Identify Samos Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Samos stamps:
- 1 Look for the overprint 'ΣΑΜΟΣ' (Samos) on Ottoman or early Greek stamps.
- 2 Examine the denominations, which may be in Turkish currency (paras, piastres) on early issues, or Greek drachmas on later ones.
- 3 Note the specific type of overprint and its position, as varieties exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Samos stamps?
Samos stamps refer to the postal issues used on the Greek island of Samos during its brief period of autonomy (1912) and the transitional phase before its full integration into the Greek postal system (1912-1915). These often include Ottoman stamps overprinted for local use and early Greek stamps similarly overprinted.
Are Samos stamps valuable?
The value of Samos stamps varies significantly. The provisional issues of 1912, especially those with specific overprint varieties or errors, can be quite valuable, ranging from €50 to several hundred euros. More common issues, particularly those using standard Greek stamps, are generally less valuable, typically in the €1-€10 range, though complete sets or mint condition examples can fetch more.
How can I identify Samos stamps?
To identify Samos stamps, look for the distinctive 'ΣΑΜΟΣ' (Samos) overprint on either Ottoman Empire stamps or early Greek stamps. Pay attention to the original stamp design, the color, and the denomination. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamp to known Samos issues and provide further details.
Which catalogs list Samos stamps?
Samos stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, printings, and estimated values for collectors.
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