Modena Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Duchy of Modena Stamps
The Duchy of Modena, located in Northern Italy, was a sovereign state in Europe until its incorporation into the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Its postal history is characterized by issues from the pre-unification period, often featuring Italian dialects or French alongside Italian. The stamps reflect its status as an independent duchy, later transitioning to the unified Italian postal system following the Risorgimento.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1852 – 1860
- Languages:
- Italian, French
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- null
Stamp Catalogs
Duchy of Modena stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Duchy of Modena Stamp Series
First Issue (1852)
The inaugural set of stamps for the Duchy, featuring the Modenese Eagle and various denominations.
Provisional Government Issue (1859)
Stamps issued by the Provisional Government of Modena during the political upheavals leading to unification, often overprinted.
issuer:modena.series.items.2.name (issuer:modena.series.items.2.period)
issuer:modena.series.items.2.description
Duchy of Modena Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues, especially unused or with rare cancellations, can be highly valuable. Provisional government overprints are also sought after.
How to Identify Duchy of Modena Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Duchy of Modena stamps:
- 1 Look for the Modenese Eagle design, often with a crown.
- 2 Denominations are typically in 'centesimi' or 'lire'.
- 3 Early issues are imperforate.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Modena stamps?
Modena stamps are postage stamps issued by the Duchy of Modena, an independent state in Northern Italy, from 1852 until its incorporation into the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. They represent a significant period in Italian postal history.
Are Modena stamps valuable?
Yes, many Modena stamps can be quite valuable, particularly the early imperforate issues, rare cancellations, and provisional government overprints. Values can range from a few euros for common used examples to thousands for rare, unused, or historically significant pieces.
How can I identify Modena stamps?
Modena stamps are primarily identified by their distinctive designs, often featuring the Modenese Eagle. Key indicators include the 'centesimi' or 'lire' denominations and the 'DUCATI DI MODENA' inscription. For precise identification and valuation, using a specialized stamp identifier app or consulting a philatelic catalog is highly recommended.
Which catalogs list Modena stamps?
Modena stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
Not sure if your stamp is from Duchy of Modena?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store