Italian Post Albania Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Italian Post in Albania Stamps
Italian Post Albania refers to the postal administration established in Albania under Italian occupation and influence, primarily during the early 20th century and World War II. This region in Southeastern Europe saw its postal services heavily managed by Italy, resulting in stamps often bearing Italian inscriptions or dual-language text. The postal issues reflect the complex political transitions of Albania, particularly the periods of Italian protectorate and direct annexation. These stamps are significant artifacts of the intersection between Italian imperial administration and Albanian national identity.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1902 – 1923
- Languages:
- Italian, Albanian
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- Italy
Stamp Catalogs
Italian Post in Albania stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Italian Post in Albania Stamp Series
Italian Post Offices in Albania (1902-1916)
Stamps of Italy overprinted 'Albania' or 'Valona' for use in Italian post offices in various Albanian cities like Durazzo, Scutari, and Valona.
Italian Occupation of Valona (1914-1916)
Specific issues for the Italian occupation of Valona, often featuring Italian stamps with local overprints.
Italian Post in Albania (General Issues) (1917-1923)
Later issues reflecting broader Italian postal administration, sometimes with dual-language inscriptions.
Italian Post in Albania Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on overprint type, condition, and specific issue. Early overprints and rare varieties can fetch high prices. Stamps from the Italian Post Offices period are generally more sought after than later issues.
How to Identify Italian Post in Albania Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Italian Post in Albania stamps:
- 1 Look for 'ITALIANE' or 'ITALIA' inscriptions, often accompanied by overprints like 'ALBANIA', 'VALONA', 'DURAZZO', or 'SCUTARI'.
- 2 Examine the overprint type and font carefully, as many varieties and forgeries exist.
- 3 Check for dual-language text (Italian and Albanian) on some later issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Post Albania stamps?
Italian Post Albania stamps refer to postage stamps issued and used by the Italian postal administration in Albania during periods of Italian influence and occupation, primarily from 1902 to 1923. These often include Italian stamps overprinted for use in Albanian territories or specific issues for Italian post offices there.
Are Italian Post Albania stamps valuable?
The value of Italian Post Albania stamps varies widely. Common issues can be relatively inexpensive (€1-€20), but rare overprints, specific varieties, and stamps in pristine condition can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Early issues from the Italian Post Offices in Albania tend to be more valuable.
How can I identify Italian Post Albania stamps?
To identify Italian Post Albania stamps, look for Italian inscriptions, often with additional overprints in Italian or Albanian indicating their use in Albania (e.g., 'ALBANIA', 'VALONA'). Pay close attention to the specific overprint details, as these are crucial for identification and valuation. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamps to catalog entries and learn more about them.
Which catalogs list Italian Post Albania stamps?
Italian Post Albania stamps are well-documented in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Europa-Katalog (Südeuropa), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, often under 'Italian Post Offices Abroad' or 'Albania'.
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