Scarpanto Stamps
Scarpanto, known today as Karpathos, is a Greek island situated in the southeastern Aegean Sea, geographically part of the Dodecanese island group. Its postal history reflects periods of foreign administration, notably under Italian rule from 1912 to 1947, before incorporation into Greece.
- Issued stamps
- 1912–1932
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- ITL
- Languages
- Italian, Greek
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Italy
About Scarpanto stamps
Stamps issued during these transitional eras often feature Italian or Greek inscriptions alongside local place names. The island's philatelic record is marked by the shift from Italian sovereignty to its current status within the Hellenic Republic's 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.
- SCARPANTO
How to identify Scarpanto stamps
- Look for 'SCARPANTO' overprints on Italian stamps.
- Examine the design for typical Italian colonial or Dodecanese issues.
- Check for Italian inscriptions and denominations (e.g., Centesimi, Lire).
Popular series
-
Italian Occupation Overprints
1912-1913
Italian stamps overprinted 'SCARPANTO' issued during the initial occupation period.
-
Italian Stamps for Aegean Islands
1912-1929
General issues for the Italian Aegean Islands, including Scarpanto, often featuring local place names or specific designs.
-
Propaganda Fide Issues
1929
Stamps issued for the Propaganda Fide Congress, overprinted for use in the Aegean Islands, including Scarpanto.
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+
Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, condition, and whether it's part of a complete set. Early occupation overprints and errors can be significantly more valuable.
Catalogs. Scarpanto 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 Scarpanto stamps
Scarpanto stamps are postage stamps issued for the Greek island of Karpathos (historically known as Scarpanto) during its period of Italian occupation, primarily from 1912 to 1932. These often consist of Italian stamps overprinted with 'SCARPANTO' or specific issues for the Italian Aegean Islands.
The value of Scarpanto stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare overprints, complete sets, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds of euros. Factors like rarity, condition, and specific overprint variations significantly influence their market price.
To identify Scarpanto stamps, look for the 'SCARPANTO' overprint on Italian stamps, or designs characteristic of the Italian Aegean Islands. Pay attention to the denominations and any Italian text. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Scarpanto stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Italian Colonies or Aegean Islands), Michel (under Italienische Post in der Ägäis), and Stanley Gibbons (under Italian Colonies). These catalogs provide detailed information, images, and estimated values.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.