Mytilene Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Mytilene (Lesbos) Stamps
Mytilene, historically the main city of the island of Lesbos, is geographically situated in the Aegean Sea, part of modern-day Greece in Southern Europe. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the broader Greek postal administration, although the island experienced periods under Ottoman rule before becoming part of the modern Greek state. Stamps issued for Mytilene often reflect Greek language and currency, though earlier issues sometimes show the influence of various administrative periods. The island's postal identity is generally subsumed within the national issues of Greece following its incorporation into the Hellenic Kingdom.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1912 – 1912
- Languages:
- Greek
- Currency:
- GRD
- Parent issuer:
- Greece
Stamp Catalogs
Mytilene (Lesbos) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Mytilene (Lesbos) Stamp Series
Provisional Government Issues (1912)
Stamps issued by the Provisional Government of Mytilene, often overprinted on Greek stamps, during the Balkan Wars.
Ottoman Overprints (1912)
Turkish stamps overprinted 'Mytilene' or 'Lesbos' for local use during the transitional period.
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Mytilene (Lesbos) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Mytilene stamps varies significantly based on the specific overprint, underlying stamp, condition, and rarity of the variety. Provisional issues and rare overprints command higher prices.
How to Identify Mytilene (Lesbos) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Mytilene (Lesbos) stamps:
- 1 Look for overprints such as 'ΜΥΤΙΛΗΝΗ' (Mytilene) or 'ΛΕΣΒΟΣ' (Lesbos) on Greek or Ottoman stamps.
- 2 Examine the underlying stamp for Greek or Ottoman characteristics (e.g., King George I of Greece, Ottoman tughra).
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Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mytilene stamps?
Mytilene stamps refer to postal issues used on the island of Lesbos (Mytilene being its capital) during a brief transitional period in 1912, primarily during and immediately after its liberation from Ottoman rule and before its full integration into Greece. These are often Greek or Ottoman stamps with local overprints.
Are Mytilene stamps valuable?
Some Mytilene stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare provisional issues, specific overprint varieties, or stamps in pristine condition. Common examples might be worth a few euros, while rare items can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Their value is highly dependent on rarity, condition, and philatelic demand.
How can I identify Mytilene stamps?
To identify Mytilene stamps, look for distinctive overprints in Greek ('ΜΥΤΙΛΗΝΗ' or 'ΛΕΣΒΟΣ') on stamps that are clearly either Greek or Ottoman in origin. Pay attention to the design of the underlying stamp, the type and color of the overprint, and any specific dates. Using a stamp identifier app can also help in quickly recognizing these issues.
Which catalogs list Mytilene stamps?
Mytilene stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Greece, often in a specialized section for provisional issues), Michel (under Greece), and Stanley Gibbons (under Greece). Specialized Greek stamp catalogs will also provide detailed listings.
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