Leros Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Leros (Italian Occupation) Stamps
Leros is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese island group in Southern Europe. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to Greece, though it experienced a period of Italian administration from 1912 until its incorporation into Greece following World War II. Stamps issued for Leros generally feature Greek language and use the Greek drachma or euro, reflecting its integration into the Hellenic postal system after the transition from Italian rule.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1912 – 1932
- Languages:
- Italian, Greek
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- Italy
Stamp Catalogs
Leros (Italian Occupation) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Leros (Italian Occupation) Stamp Series
Italian Stamps Overprinted 'LEROS' (1912-1913)
Italian stamps of the period overprinted 'LEROS' for use in the newly occupied island.
Italian Stamps Overprinted 'ISOLE ITALIANE DELL'EGEO' (1912-1929)
Italian stamps overprinted for general use in the Italian Aegean Islands, including Leros.
Definitives of the Italian Aegean Islands (1929-1932)
Stamps specifically designed and issued for the Italian Aegean Islands, featuring local motifs.
Leros (Italian Occupation) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether it's an early occupation issue or a later definitive. Early overprints, especially on higher denominations, tend to be more valuable.
How to Identify Leros (Italian Occupation) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Leros (Italian Occupation) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'LEROS' overprints on Italian stamps, or 'ISOLE ITALIANE DELL'EGEO' overprints.
- 2 Later issues will bear inscriptions related to the Italian Aegean Islands, often with Italian text.
- 3 issuer:leros.identification.tips.2
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Leros stamps?
Leros stamps refer to postal issues used on the Greek island of Leros during its period of Italian occupation, primarily from 1912 to 1932. These typically include Italian stamps overprinted with 'LEROS' or 'ISOLE ITALIANE DELL'EGEO', or definitive stamps issued specifically for the Italian Aegean Islands.
Are Leros stamps valuable?
The value of Leros stamps can range from a few euros for common issues to several hundred or even over a thousand euros for rare varieties, particularly early overprints on high-denomination Italian stamps or stamps with significant errors. Condition plays a crucial role in determining value.
How can I identify Leros stamps?
You can identify Leros stamps by looking for Italian stamps bearing the overprint 'LEROS' or 'ISOLE ITALIANE DELL'EGEO'. Later issues will have designs specific to the Italian Aegean Islands. A stamp identifier app can help you quickly identify these stamps by scanning them with your phone's camera.
Which catalogs list Leros stamps?
Leros stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Italian Aegean Islands), Michel (under Italienische Ägäis-Inseln), and Stanley Gibbons (under Italian Aegean Islands). These catalogs provide detailed listings, descriptions, and estimated values.
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