Vlora Stamps
Vlora, known today as Vlorë, is a major port city located in southern Albania, situated on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas in Southeastern Europe. While Vlora itself was not an independent stamp-issuing entity, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the tumultuous political landscape of Albania, particularly during the period of Albanian Independence declared there in 1912.
- Issued stamps
- 1914–1914
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Languages
- Albanian, Turkish
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Albania
About Vlora stamps
Stamps issued for this region during the early 20th century often reflect the transition from Ottoman rule through the establishment of the Albanian state, featuring the Albanian language and national symbols. The city's strategic importance meant its postal services were subject to various administrative controls, including provisional governments and international oversight, which significantly impacted the issuance and design of local postal stationery.
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.
- VLORA
How to identify Vlora stamps
- Look for 'VLORA' or 'Vlorë' overprints, often on Ottoman or early Albanian stamps.
- Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue (e.g., Ottoman Tughra or early Albanian Eagle designs).
- Pay attention to the type and style of the overprint, as variations exist.
Popular series
-
Vlora Provisional Issues
1914
Stamps issued locally in Vlora during the turbulent period following the Albanian Declaration of Independence, often featuring overprints on Ottoman or Albanian stamps.
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–€1,000+
The value of Vlora stamps can vary significantly based on the specific overprint, base stamp, condition, and rarity of the provisional issue. Early issues, especially those with rare overprints or errors, command higher prices.
Catalogs. Vlora 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 Vlora stamps
Vlora stamps refer to provisional postal issues from the city of Vlora (now Vlorë) in Albania, primarily from 1914. These were often existing Ottoman or early Albanian stamps overprinted with 'VLORA' or similar markings, reflecting the city's unique postal administration during a period of political transition following Albania's declaration of independence.
Some Vlora stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare provisional issues, specific overprint varieties, or those in fine condition. Their value is highly dependent on the rarity of the overprint, the base stamp used, and philatelic demand. Common examples might be worth a few euros, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands.
To identify Vlora stamps, look for overprints containing 'VLORA' or 'Vlorë' on stamps that typically originate from the Ottoman Empire or early Albanian issues. The design of the base stamp and the specific overprint are key identifiers. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Vlora stamps are typically listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within the Albania section or a dedicated section for local/provisional issues. Specialized catalogs for Albanian philately will also provide detailed listings.
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