Nisiros Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Nisiros Stamps
Nisiros is a small volcanic island located in the Dodecanese island group of the Aegean Sea, geographically part of Southern Europe. As part of the Dodecanese, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the administration of the Ottoman Empire until 1912, followed by Italian occupation, and eventual incorporation into the Kingdom of Greece in 1947. Stamps issued for Nisiros, particularly during the early 20th-century transitions, predominantly feature Greek language and script, reflecting its integration into the modern Greek postal system. The island's postal administration has always been managed under the broader framework of the Hellenic Post Office.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1912 – 1932
- Languages:
- Greek, Italian
- Currency:
- GRD
- Parent issuer:
- Greece
Stamp Catalogs
Nisiros stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Nisiros Stamp Series
Italian Occupation Overprints (1912-1929)
Stamps of Italy overprinted 'ISOLE EGÉE' (Aegean Islands) or specific island names, including Nisiros, reflecting the Italian administration post-Ottoman rule.
Greek Stamps with Nisiros Postmarks (1930s onwards)
While Nisiros had specific occupation issues, its later postal history involves standard Greek stamps used with Nisiros postmarks, indicating its integration into the Hellenic postal system.
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Nisiros Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint varieties, and rarity of certain issues. Early Italian occupation overprints on Italian stamps can be quite desirable, especially those with clear, well-centered overprints. Postmarks can also add value.
How to Identify Nisiros Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Nisiros stamps:
- 1 Look for 'ISOLE EGÉE' or 'NISIROS' overprints on Italian stamps, particularly during the 1912-1932 period.
- 2 Examine postmarks for 'NISIROS' or 'ΝΙΣΥΡΟΣ' to identify usage on Greek stamps after its incorporation into Greece.
- 3 Pay attention to the base stamp design, which will typically be Italian or Greek.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nisiros stamps?
Nisiros stamps primarily refer to postal issues used on the Greek island of Nisiros, particularly during its period of Italian occupation (1912-1932). These often consist of Italian stamps overprinted with 'ISOLE EGÉE' or specific island names like 'NISIROS', reflecting the administrative changes after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
Are Nisiros stamps valuable?
The value of Nisiros stamps can vary. Common issues or those in poor condition might be worth a few euros, while rare varieties, specific overprints, or well-preserved examples, especially those on cover, can fetch significantly higher prices, ranging from tens to hundreds of euros. Factors like rarity, condition, and clear overprints are key determinants of value.
How can I identify Nisiros stamps?
To identify Nisiros stamps, look for overprints such as 'ISOLE EGÉE' or 'NISIROS' on Italian stamps issued between 1912 and 1932. For later periods, you'll find standard Greek stamps with postmarks bearing the name 'NISIROS' or 'ΝΙΣΥΡΟΣ'. A stamp identifier app can be a very useful tool for quickly recognizing these issues and their historical context.
Which catalogs list Nisiros stamps?
Nisiros stamps, particularly the Italian occupation issues, are typically listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually under sections for the Dodecanese Islands or Italian Colonies/Occupation issues. Greek catalogs will also cover the later usage of Greek stamps on the island.
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