South Bulgaria Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About South Bulgaria Stamps
South Bulgaria, geographically situated in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeastern Europe, experienced a distinct postal history following the Russo-Turkish War and the subsequent Congress of Berlin in 1878, which established the autonomous Principality of Bulgaria. While the region was historically part of the Ottoman Empire, its stamps generally reflect the Bulgarian language, utilizing the Cyrillic script, particularly after the establishment of the modern Bulgarian postal service. The postal administration remained independent until the unification with Eastern Rumelia, though the region's philatelic record primarily documents the development of the modern Bulgarian state's postal infrastructure.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1885 – 1885
- Languages:
- Bulgarian
- Currency:
- BGN
- Parent issuer:
- Bulgaria
Stamp Catalogs
South Bulgaria stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular South Bulgaria Stamp Series
Provisional Issues (1885)
Stamps of Eastern Rumelia overprinted with 'South Bulgaria' or 'Bulgaria' in Cyrillic, issued during the unification period.
Handstamped Provisional Issues (1885)
Various handstamps applied to existing Eastern Rumelian stamps to signify their use in the newly unified territory.
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South Bulgaria Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of South Bulgaria stamps is highly dependent on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the underlying Eastern Rumelian stamp. Errors and varieties are particularly sought after.
How to Identify South Bulgaria Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying South Bulgaria stamps:
- 1 Look for Cyrillic overprints such as 'Южна България' (Yuzhna Bulgaria - South Bulgaria) or 'България' (Bulgaria) on stamps originally issued by Eastern Rumelia.
- 2 Examine the underlying design for characteristics of Eastern Rumelian issues, often featuring the lion rampant or portraits of rulers.
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Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are South Bulgaria stamps?
South Bulgaria stamps refer to provisional issues used in the region of South Bulgaria (which largely corresponded to Eastern Rumelia) during the period of its unification with the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885. These were typically existing Eastern Rumelian stamps overprinted with new inscriptions.
Are South Bulgaria stamps valuable?
Yes, some South Bulgaria stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprints, errors, or stamps in pristine condition. Their value is often tied to the scarcity of the specific provisional marking and the condition of the underlying Eastern Rumelian stamp. Common examples might be in the $5-$50 range, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How can I identify South Bulgaria stamps?
To identify South Bulgaria stamps, look for Cyrillic overprints like 'Южна България' or 'България' on stamps that are clearly identifiable as issues of Eastern Rumelia. Pay close attention to the font, color, and placement of the overprint, as counterfeits exist. Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the origin and details of your stamps.
Which catalogs list South Bulgaria stamps?
South Bulgaria stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within the Bulgaria or Eastern Rumelia sections, often under provisional or occupation issues. Specialized Bulgarian catalogs also provide detailed listings.
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