Aegean Islands Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Aegean Islands (Italian Occupation) Stamps
The Aegean Islands, geographically part of Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, possess a complex postal history reflecting centuries of shifting geopolitical control. These islands were historically administered by various powers, including the Ottoman Empire, Italy, and ultimately Greece, leading to a diverse range of provisional and definitive issues. Stamps from this region often feature Greek language and script, though earlier issues may reflect the administrative language of the occupying power. The transition to unified Greek sovereignty following the Balkan Wars and subsequent treaties significantly shaped the definitive postal landscape of these territories.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1912 – 1945
- Languages:
- Italian, Greek
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- Italy
Stamp Catalogs
Aegean Islands (Italian Occupation) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Aegean Islands (Italian Occupation) Stamp Series
Italian Occupation Issues (1912-1929) (1912-1929)
Overprinted Italian stamps for use in the occupied Aegean Islands, often featuring 'ISOLE EGÉE' or 'EGEO'.
Definitive Issues (1929-1943) (1929-1943)
Stamps specifically designed and issued for the Italian Aegean Islands, depicting local scenes, historical figures, and Italian symbols.
World War II Provisional Issues (1943-1945) (1943-1945)
Emergency issues and overprints during the tumultuous period of German occupation and British liberation.
Aegean Islands (Italian Occupation) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early occupation overprints, high values, and stamps with rare errors or varieties can be quite valuable. Later definitive issues are generally more affordable, though complete sets in fine condition hold good value. Covers and postal history from this period are also sought after.
How to Identify Aegean Islands (Italian Occupation) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Aegean Islands (Italian Occupation) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'ISOLE EGÉE' or 'EGEO' overprints on Italian stamps.
- 2 Examine the designs for Italian iconography or specific island landmarks.
- 3 Check for Italian currency denominations (Cent., Lire) on earlier issues, and later for Greek currency on post-1945 issues (though these fall outside the specified end_year).
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Aegean Islands stamps?
Aegean Islands stamps refer to postal issues used in the Dodecanese Islands (a group within the Aegean Sea) primarily during the Italian occupation from 1912 to 1945. These include overprinted Italian stamps and later, definitive issues specifically for the 'Isole Italiane dell'Egeo'.
Are Aegean Islands stamps valuable?
The value of Aegean Islands stamps varies significantly. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €10. However, rare early occupation overprints, high-denomination stamps, specific errors, or complete sets in fine condition can be quite valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of euros.
How can I identify Aegean Islands stamps?
To identify Aegean Islands stamps, look for overprints like 'ISOLE EGÉE' or 'EGEO' on Italian stamps. Later definitive issues will explicitly state 'ISOLE ITALIANE DELL'EGEO'. An iPhone app with a stamp identifier can help you quickly match your stamps to catalog entries and learn more about them.
Which catalogs list Aegean Islands stamps?
Aegean Islands stamps are well-documented in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them listed in Scott (under 'Italian Colonies' or 'Aegean Islands'), Michel (under 'Italienische Post in der Ägäis'), and Stanley Gibbons (under 'Italian Colonies' or 'Dodecanese Islands').
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