Lemnos Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Lemnos Stamps
Lemnos is a large island in the northern Aegean Sea, geographically part of the Greek archipelago within Southern Europe. Historically, the island was administered by the Ottoman Empire until it was incorporated into the modern Greek state following the Balkan Wars in the early 20th century, a transition reflected in its postal history. Stamps issued for Lemnos often feature Greek language and script, sometimes predating unified Greek postal administration across the Aegean islands. The island's postal service transitioned through various administrative phases before fully integrating into the Hellenic Post system.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1912 – 1913
- Languages:
- Greek
- Currency:
- GRD
- Parent issuer:
- Greece
Stamp Catalogs
Lemnos stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Lemnos Stamp Series
Provisional Issues (1912)
Stamps of the Ottoman Empire overprinted 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' (Hellenic Administration) or 'ΛΗΜΝΟΣ' (Lemnos) during the Greek occupation.
Definitive Issues (1912-1913)
Stamps of Greece (e.g., 'Hermes Head' issues) overprinted for use in Lemnos, sometimes with additional local overprints.
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Lemnos Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Lemnos stamps varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the underlying Ottoman or Greek stamp. Provisional issues with clear, well-centered overprints are generally more sought after. Forgeries of overprints are common, so expertization is often recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Lemnos Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Lemnos stamps:
- 1 Look for overprints in Greek script, such as 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' (Hellenic Administration) or 'ΛΗΜΝΟΣ' (Lemnos) on stamps originally issued by the Ottoman Empire or Greece.
- 2 Examine the underlying stamp design; it will typically be an Ottoman issue (e.g., 'Tughra' designs) or a Greek 'Hermes Head' or 'Olympic Games' issue.
- 3 Pay close attention to the details of the overprint, as many forgeries exist. Genuine overprints often show specific characteristics in font and spacing.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemnos stamps?
Lemnos stamps are provisional issues used on the Greek island of Lemnos during and immediately after its liberation from Ottoman rule by Greece in 1912-1913. They primarily consist of Ottoman or Greek stamps overprinted for local use by the Hellenic Administration.
Are Lemnos stamps valuable?
Yes, some Lemnos stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare provisional overprints in good condition or those on specific underlying Ottoman or Greek issues. Common examples may be more affordable, but rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Expert authentication is crucial for high-value items due to prevalent forgeries.
How can I identify Lemnos stamps?
To identify Lemnos stamps, look for Greek overprints like 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' or 'ΛΗΜΝΟΣ' on stamps that are clearly of Ottoman or Greek origin. The period of issue (1912-1913) is also a key indicator. For precise identification and to distinguish genuine items from forgeries, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized catalog.
Which catalogs list Lemnos stamps?
Lemnos stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically under Greece or specific sections for Greek occupation issues or Aegean Islands. Specialized Greek philatelic catalogs also provide detailed listings.
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