World War II Occupation Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About World War II Occupations Stamps
The category "World War 2 Occupations" encompasses a vast geographical area across Europe, Asia, and Africa, representing territories under Axis control or Allied military administration between 1939 and 1945. Postal history during this period is characterized by provisional issues, surcharges, and overprints applied to existing colonial or sovereign stamps to reflect immediate changes in administrative authority. The linguistic environment on these issues is highly diverse, reflecting the original languages of the occupied nations alongside the languages of the occupying powers, such as German, Italian, or Japanese. These issues often mark significant, albeit temporary, transitions in sovereignty and postal service management, frequently ceasing upon liberation or the establishment of new post-war administrations.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1939 – 1945
- Languages:
- German, Italian, Japanese, French, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Czech, Greek, Serbian, Croatian, Russian, English
- Currency:
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- issuer:world-war-2-occupations.overview.parentIssuer:
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Stamp Catalogs
World War II Occupations stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular World War II Occupations Stamp Series
German Occupation of Poland (General Government) (1939-1945)
Stamps issued for the German-occupied territory of Poland, often featuring overprints on Polish stamps or new designs with German inscriptions.
Allied Military Government (AMG) Issues (1943-1945)
Stamps issued by Allied forces for occupied territories like Italy, Germany, Austria, and France, often overprinted with 'AMG' or 'Allied Military Government'.
Japanese Occupation of Southeast Asia (1942-1945)
Issues for occupied territories such as Malaya, Burma, Philippines, and Dutch East Indies, frequently featuring Japanese propaganda or overprints on local stamps.
World War II Occupations Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies greatly depending on the specific occupation, rarity of the issue, condition, and whether it's an overprint, surcharge, or new design. Covers and postal history from these periods are often highly sought after.
How to Identify World War II Occupations Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying World War II Occupations stamps:
- 1 Look for overprints or surcharges on existing stamps, often in the language of the occupying power (e.g., 'Deutsches Reich', 'AMG', Japanese characters).
- 2 Examine the design for symbols or portraits associated with the occupying power or specific wartime themes.
- 3 Check the country name or administrative entity indicated on the stamp, which may differ from the pre-war or post-war name.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are World War II Occupation stamps?
World War II Occupation stamps are postage stamps issued by occupying powers (Axis or Allied) for territories under their control during World War II (1939-1945). These often include overprints on existing stamps, surcharges, or entirely new designs reflecting the temporary administrative authority.
Are World War II Occupation stamps valuable?
The value of World War II Occupation stamps varies significantly. Common issues can be inexpensive, while rare overprints, provisional issues, or stamps from short-lived occupations, especially in good condition or on cover, can be highly valuable, ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros.
How can I identify World War II Occupation stamps?
To identify World War II Occupation stamps, look for specific overprints (e.g., 'AMG', 'Deutsches Reich', Japanese characters), surcharges, or designs that clearly indicate an occupying power. Pay attention to the language used and the administrative entity named. A stamp identifier app can help by scanning the stamp and providing details from philatelic databases.
Which catalogs list World War II Occupation stamps?
Major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons all extensively list World War II Occupation stamps. They are typically found within the sections for the occupied countries, often with dedicated sub-sections for occupation issues.
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