Sardinia Stamps
Sardinia, an island region in the Mediterranean Sea, forms part of modern-day Italy. Its postal history is deeply intertwined with the Kingdom of Sardinia, which served as the nucleus for the eventual unification of Italy, issuing stamps from 1858 under the Savoy dynasty.
- Issued stamps
- 1851–1861
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- Sardinian Lira
- Languages
- Italian, French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Sardinia stamps
Prior to unification, the island experienced various foreign dominations, though its most significant postal era began under its own sovereign rule, with stamps typically inscribed "Poste Sarde" or later incorporating Italian language. The transition to unified Italian postal administration in 1861 marked the end of its distinct regional issues, though the island remains a significant area within the Italian postal system.
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.
- POSTE SARDE
- FRANCO
How to identify Sardinia stamps
- Look for the profile of King Victor Emmanuel II, often facing left.
- Early issues (1851-1855) are imperforate; later issues (1858-1861) are perforated.
- Inscriptions typically include 'POSTE SARDE' or 'FRANCO' and the denomination in Centesimi.
Popular series
-
First Issues (Embossed)
1851-1853
The very first stamps of Sardinia, featuring an embossed profile of King Victor Emmanuel II, issued without gum or perforations.
-
Lithographed Issues
1853-1855
Subsequent issues that transitioned from embossing to lithography, still imperforate, depicting King Victor Emmanuel II.
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Perforated Issues
1858-1861
Later issues that introduced perforations, making them easier to separate, marking the final period of Sardinian postal independence.
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 imperforate issues, especially in fine condition or with rare cancellations, can be quite valuable. The embossed issues are particularly sought after. Later perforated issues are generally more accessible, but errors or scarce varieties command higher prices.
Catalogs. Sardinia 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 Sardinia stamps
Sardinia stamps refer to the postage stamps issued by the Kingdom of Sardinia between 1851 and 1861. These stamps were used in the territories controlled by the House of Savoy, which later became the driving force behind the unification of Italy.
Yes, many Sardinia stamps are considered valuable, especially the early embossed and lithographed imperforate issues. Rarity depends on factors like condition, specific issue, denomination, and cancellation. Prices for common stamps can range from €5-€50, while rare varieties can fetch thousands of euros.
Sardinia stamps typically feature the profile of King Victor Emmanuel II and are inscribed with 'POSTE SARDE' or 'FRANCO' along with the value in Centesimi. Early issues are imperforate, while later ones are perforated. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Sardinia stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Italian specialized catalogs also provide detailed information for collectors focusing on Italian States philately.
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