West Thrace Stamps
West Thrace is a historical region situated in Southeastern Europe, primarily within modern-day Greece. Its postal history is complex, reflecting periods under Ottoman rule followed by shifting control between Bulgaria and Greece in the early 20th century, notably involving a period of international administration after World War I.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1920
- Region
- Europe, Southeastern Europe
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- Greek, Turkish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About West Thrace stamps
Stamps issued for this territory often feature Greek or sometimes Turkish inscriptions, depending on the governing authority at the time of issue. The region's distinct administrative status and subsequent integration into the Hellenic postal system mark significant transitions in its philatelic record.
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.
- Α.Δ.Θ.
- Δ.Δ.Θ.
- ΘΡΑΚΗ
How to identify West Thrace stamps
- Look for overprints in Greek ('Α.Δ.Θ.', 'Δ.Δ.Θ.', 'ΘΡΑΚΗ') on stamps of Greece or Bulgaria.
- Pay attention to the specific type and font of the overprint, as varieties exist.
- Examine the base stamp to determine if it's Greek or Bulgarian, which is crucial for identification and value.
Popular series
-
Overprinted Greek Stamps
1920
Greek stamps overprinted with 'Α.Δ.Θ.' (Ανατολική Διοίκησις Θράκης - Eastern Thrace Administration) or 'Δ.Δ.Θ.' (Δυτική Διοίκησις Θράκης - Western Thrace Administration) for use during the interallied occupation.
-
Overprinted Bulgarian Stamps
1920
Bulgarian stamps overprinted with 'ΘΡΑΚΗ' (Thrace) or 'Α.Δ.Θ.' for provisional use.
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
- €200–€2,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are on Greek or Bulgarian base stamps. Rarities include specific overprint varieties and covers.
Catalogs. West Thrace 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 West Thrace stamps
West Thrace stamps refer to provisional issues used in the historical region of West Thrace during a brief period of international administration and transition following World War I, primarily in 1920. These were typically stamps of Greece or Bulgaria overprinted with specific Greek inscriptions to denote their use in the territory.
The value of West Thrace stamps can range from a few euros for common varieties to several thousand euros for rare overprints, errors, or stamps on cover. Factors like the specific overprint, the base stamp, condition, and rarity of the variety significantly influence their worth.
To identify West Thrace stamps, look for Greek or Bulgarian stamps bearing distinct overprints such as 'Α.Δ.Θ.', 'Δ.Δ.Θ.', or 'ΘΡΑΚΗ'. Carefully examine the base stamp and the overprint details. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
West Thrace stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs including Scott (under Greece or Occupation issues), Michel (under Greece or Occupation issues), and Stanley Gibbons (under Greece or Occupation issues). These catalogs provide detailed listings of the various overprints and their values.
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