Thrace Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Thrace Stamps
Thrace is a historical region spanning Southeastern Europe, primarily encompassing parts of modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. Its postal history is complex, reflecting the fragmentation and shifting control of the Ottoman Empire's successor states, particularly during the Balkan Wars and World War I. Stamps issued for the region often reflect the languages of the dominant powers at the time, including Ottoman Turkish, Greek, and Bulgarian. The region experienced significant administrative transitions, notably the establishment of the short-lived International Administration of Thrace following the Treaty of Sèvres, which briefly issued its own provisional stamps.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1913 – 1913
- Languages:
- Ottoman Turkish, Greek, Bulgarian, French
- Currency:
- FRF
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Stamp Catalogs
Thrace stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Thrace Stamp Series
Provisional Issues of the International Administration of Thrace (1913)
Stamps issued under the short-lived International Administration, often overprinted on existing Ottoman or Bulgarian stamps.
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Thrace Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Thrace stamps varies significantly based on the specific issue, overprint, condition, and rarity. Provisional issues, especially those with rare overprints or errors, command higher prices. Forgeries are known, so expert authentication is crucial for high-value items.
How to Identify Thrace Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Thrace stamps:
- 1 Look for overprints on stamps of the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, or Greece, often in French, Greek, or Ottoman Turkish.
- 2 Pay attention to the specific wording and design of overprints, as these distinguish different provisional issues.
- 3 Examine watermarks and perforations, which can help identify the base stamp and thus the specific Thracian issue.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Thrace stamps?
Thrace stamps refer to the postal issues used in the historical region of Thrace, primarily during the tumultuous period of the Balkan Wars and World War I. These were often provisional stamps, including overprints on existing issues of the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, or Greece, reflecting the shifting political control of the region.
Are Thrace stamps valuable?
Yes, some Thrace stamps can be quite valuable, particularly the provisional issues of the International Administration of Thrace from 1913. Rarity, specific overprint varieties, and condition are key factors determining their worth. Common examples may be affordable, while rare overprints or errors can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
How can I identify Thrace stamps?
Identifying Thrace stamps often involves recognizing the base stamp (e.g., Ottoman, Bulgarian, Greek) and then carefully examining any overprints. These overprints typically denote the provisional administration or change in status. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly cross-reference designs and overprints against known issues, aiding in accurate identification.
Which catalogs list Thrace stamps?
Thrace stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, including catalog numbers, descriptions, and estimated values. Specialized catalogs for the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, and Greece may also contain relevant listings for overprinted issues.
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