French Post Vathy Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Post Vathy Stamps
French Post Vathy refers to the postal services operated by France in the port of Vathy, located on the island of Samos in the Aegean Sea, which was under Ottoman rule during the period of French postal presence. This operation falls within the broader context of French extra-territorial postal agencies established in the Levant and the Ottoman Empire. Stamps issued for this office would typically bear French inscriptions, often denominated in French currency, reflecting the administrative control of the French postal system in this specific Aegean location prior to its integration into the modern Greek postal network. The existence of these offices ceased following shifting geopolitical control in the region.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1893 – 1900
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- FRF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Post Vathy stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Post Vathy Stamp Series
Surcharged French Stamps (1893-1900)
French general issues overprinted with 'VATHY' and new denominations in French currency (centimes and francs) for local use.
Sage Type Issues (1893-1900)
French 'Sage' type stamps, often surcharged, were commonly used in Vathy, reflecting standard French colonial postal practices.
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French Post Vathy Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on the specific surcharge, condition, and whether the stamp is on cover. Early issues and higher denominations are scarcer.
How to Identify French Post Vathy Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Post Vathy stamps:
- 1 Look for 'VATHY' overprints on French stamps, typically in black or blue ink.
- 2 Denominations will be in French currency (centimes, francs).
- 3 Stamps will often feature designs common to French general issues of the late 19th century, such as the 'Sage' type.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Post Vathy stamps?
French Post Vathy stamps are French postal issues that were overprinted with 'VATHY' and new denominations for use in the French postal agency established in Vathy, Samos, during the period of Ottoman rule (1893-1900). They represent France's extraterritorial postal presence in the Aegean.
Are French Post Vathy stamps valuable?
The value of French Post Vathy stamps varies significantly. Common surcharged issues can be found for €5-€50, while rare varieties, errors, or stamps on original covers can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition and specific overprint details are key value determinants.
How can I identify French Post Vathy stamps?
To identify French Post Vathy stamps, look for the distinct 'VATHY' overprint on French stamps from the late 19th century, usually with new denominations in French currency. Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the authenticity and specific catalog number of your stamps.
Which catalogs list French Post Vathy stamps?
French Post Vathy stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under French Offices in the Turkish Empire), Michel (under Frankreich – Postämter in der Türkei), and Stanley Gibbons (under French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire).
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