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.
- Issued stamps
- 1912–1915
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- GRD
- Languages
- Greek, Turkish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Greece
About Samos stamps
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- ΣΑΜΟΣ
How to identify Samos stamps
- Look for the overprint 'ΣΑΜΟΣ' (Samos) on Ottoman or early Greek stamps.
- Examine the denominations, which may be in Turkish currency (paras, piastres) on early issues, or Greek drachmas on later ones.
- Note the specific type of overprint and its position, as varieties exist.
Popular 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.
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
- €1–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
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.
Catalogs. Samos 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 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.
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.
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. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
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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