Melilla Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Melilla Stamps
Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city located on the northern coast of Africa, bordering Morocco. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to Spain, operating under the Spanish postal administration, Correos, since the late 19th century. Stamps issued for Melilla primarily feature the Spanish language and use the Euro currency, reflecting its status as an integral part of Spain. While administratively Spanish, its geographical position and historical context as a Spanish enclave on the African continent provide a unique philatelic backdrop.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- North Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1936 – 1936
- Languages:
- Spanish
- Currency:
- EUR
- Parent issuer:
- Spain
Stamp Catalogs
Melilla stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Melilla Stamp Series
Spanish Civil War Provisional Issues (1936)
These stamps were provisional issues created during the early stages of the Spanish Civil War. They often consist of regular Spanish stamps overprinted or surcharged for local use by the Nationalist faction in Melilla.
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Melilla Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Melilla stamps from 1936 is highly dependent on the specific overprint, surcharge, and condition. Provisional issues from the Spanish Civil War era can be quite sought after by specialists. Forgeries and altered overprints are known, so expert authentication is recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Melilla Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Melilla stamps:
- 1 Look for 'MELILLA' overprints or surcharges on Spanish stamps.
- 2 Examine the underlying Spanish stamp for its original design and denomination.
- 3 Pay close attention to the type and style of the overprint, as variations exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Melilla stamps?
Melilla stamps refer to provisional issues created in 1936 for the Spanish autonomous city of Melilla, located on the northern coast of Africa. These were primarily Spanish stamps overprinted or surcharged for local use by the Nationalist faction during the early period of the Spanish Civil War.
Are Melilla stamps valuable?
The value of Melilla stamps can vary significantly. While some common provisional issues may be relatively inexpensive (€5-€50), rare overprints, specific varieties, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds of euros. Their historical context within the Spanish Civil War adds to their philatelic interest.
How can I identify Melilla stamps?
To identify Melilla stamps, look for Spanish stamps from the 1930s that bear overprints or surcharges with the name 'MELILLA' or related provisional markings. You'll need to compare these markings to known catalog listings. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly cross-reference the underlying Spanish stamp and potentially identify the Melilla overprint.
Which catalogs list Melilla stamps?
Melilla stamps are listed in major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically within the sections for Spain or Spanish Civil War issues. Specialized catalogs for Spanish philately will also provide detailed listings and varieties for these provisional issues.
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