Italian Post Abroad General Issues Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Italian Post Abroad General Issues Stamps
Italian Post Abroad General Issues refer not to a single geographical territory but to stamps used by the Kingdom of Italy to maintain postal services in territories where Italian diplomatic or commercial interests were established outside of metropolitan Italy, primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These issues often served areas in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Near East, reflecting Italy's colonial ambitions and international presence before the rise of Fascism. The stamps invariably bear Italian inscriptions, often alongside overprints indicating the specific foreign post office location, such as "Cina" or "Somaliland." These issues ceased as Italy consolidated its colonial holdings or as international agreements shifted postal administration to other powers.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1874 – 1881
- Languages:
- Italian
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- Italy
Stamp Catalogs
Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Italian Post Abroad General Issues Stamp Series
Italian Stamps Overprinted for Foreign Post Offices (1874-1881)
General issues of Italy overprinted with specific names of foreign post offices or territories where Italian postal services operated, such as 'Cina' or 'Somaliland'.
Umberto I Issues for Abroad (1879-1881)
Stamps featuring King Umberto I, specifically prepared or overprinted for use in Italian post offices abroad.
issuer:italian-post-abroad-general-issues.series.items.2.name (issuer:italian-post-abroad-general-issues.series.items.2.period)
issuer:italian-post-abroad-general-issues.series.items.2.description
Italian Post Abroad General Issues Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the foreign post office. Early issues and those from less common locations tend to be more valuable. Covers bearing these stamps are highly sought after.
How to Identify Italian Post Abroad General Issues Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps:
- 1 Look for standard Italian stamp designs of the late 19th century.
- 2 Identify overprints in Italian, often indicating a specific foreign location (e.g., 'Cina', 'Somaliland', 'Costantinopoli', 'Alessandria').
- 3 Check for the country of origin 'ITALIANE' or 'REGNO D'ITALIA' on the base stamp.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps?
Italian Post Abroad General Issues refer to stamps issued by the Kingdom of Italy for use in its post offices located in foreign territories, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These stamps were typically regular Italian issues overprinted with the name of the specific foreign post office or territory, reflecting Italy's diplomatic and commercial presence abroad.
Are Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps valuable?
The value of Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps can vary widely. Common issues in good condition might be worth a few euros, while rare overprints, specific foreign post office locations, or stamps on cover can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Rarity is often tied to the specific overprint and the period of use.
How can I identify Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps?
To identify Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps, look for standard Italian stamp designs from the late 19th century, often featuring monarchs like Umberto I. The key identifier is the overprint, usually in Italian, indicating the foreign post office location (e.g., 'Cina', 'Somaliland', 'Costantinopoli'). Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the specific issue and overprint.
Which catalogs list Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps?
Italian Post Abroad General Issues stamps are well-documented in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (often under 'Italian Offices Abroad' or specific country listings), the Michel Europa-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (for some related territories) or their general European volumes.
Not sure if your stamp is from Italian Post Abroad General Issues?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store