Eastern Rumelia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Eastern Rumelia Stamps
Eastern Rumelia was an autonomous Ottoman province situated in the Balkans, primarily encompassing the southern portion of modern Bulgaria. Its brief but significant postal history spans from 1878 until its unification with the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885, during which time it operated a distinct postal administration under Ottoman suzerainty. Stamps issued during this period primarily featured the Ottoman Sultan's name and were denominated in Turkish piastres, reflecting the administrative language and currency of the time. The region's short existence as a separate entity resulted in a small but philatelically interesting series of provisional issues before its integration into the unified Bulgarian state.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1878 – 1885
- Languages:
- Bulgarian, Turkish
- Currency:
- TRL
- Parent issuer:
- Ottoman Empire
Stamp Catalogs
Eastern Rumelia stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Eastern Rumelia Stamp Series
First Issues (1881-1884) (1881-1884)
The initial series of stamps for Eastern Rumelia, featuring the Ottoman Sultan's tughra (monogram) and denominated in Turkish piastres. These were overprinted on Ottoman stamps.
Provisional Issues (1885) (1885)
Stamps issued during the period of unification with Bulgaria, often consisting of existing Eastern Rumelia stamps overprinted or surcharged for temporary use.
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Eastern Rumelia Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, specific issue, overprints, and cancellations. Early issues and provisional stamps, especially those with rare overprints or errors, command higher prices. Common used examples are generally affordable.
How to Identify Eastern Rumelia Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Eastern Rumelia stamps:
- 1 Look for the Ottoman Sultan's tughra (monogram) as the central design element.
- 2 Denominations are typically in Turkish piastres (Para and Piastre).
- 3 Many issues are overprinted Ottoman stamps. Check for overprints in Cyrillic or Latin script indicating 'Eastern Rumelia' or 'Bulgaria' for later provisional issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Eastern Rumelia stamps?
Eastern Rumelia stamps are postage stamps issued by the autonomous Ottoman province of Eastern Rumelia between 1878 and 1885. They primarily feature the Ottoman Sultan's tughra and were denominated in Turkish currency, reflecting the region's unique political status before its unification with Bulgaria.
Are Eastern Rumelia stamps valuable?
The value of Eastern Rumelia stamps varies. Common issues can be found for €5-€50, while rarer stamps, especially those with specific overprints, errors, or in pristine condition, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Their short period of issue and historical significance contribute to their philatelic interest.
How can I identify Eastern Rumelia stamps?
To identify Eastern Rumelia stamps, look for the distinctive Ottoman Sultan's tughra design and denominations in Turkish piastres. Many are overprinted Ottoman stamps. For precise identification and to verify authenticity, consider using a stamp identifier app that can analyze your stamp and provide detailed information.
Which catalogs list Eastern Rumelia stamps?
Eastern Rumelia stamps are listed in all major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, historical context, and estimated values for various issues.
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