Stamps -> Europe -> Greece
Stamp collectors who collect world stamps usually have a fondness for the stamps of Greece, with the bold designs, and the history they represent. The first stamps of Greece are called Hermes head stamps, because they feature a profile of the Greek god Hermes center within a decorative frame. The first stamps produced were the large Hermes heads, in 1861. The stamps came in 7 different denominations from 1 to 80 lepta, with larger denominations introduced later in 1876.
In the mid-1800s, the plates for these first stamps of Greece were showing wear and causing problems and irregularities with the stamps. So in 1886, the small Hermes head stamps were introduced, showing Hermes in profile again, but smaller with a different helmet, These were produced in more denominations and were printed until 1900.
The first commemorative stamps of Greece were printed to celebrate the 1896 Summer Olympics, which are considered our first modern Olympics. A commemorative 1906 Olympic stamp is also popular among collectors, but the 1896 stamps are the ones most popular among stamp enthusiasts today, especially the stamps in denominations of drachmas, because of their rarity. Another of the first early stamps of Greece is the Flying Mercury, so named for the Greek god gracing its face, that followed the Hermes-head stamps.
To distinguish between the early stamps of Greece, look at the Hermes head stamps carefully. The large Hermes head stamps are straight edged and numbered on the back. But the small Hermes head stamps were originally imperforate, then in 1891 some versions were printed with perforations.
One of the more interesting Hermes head stamps of Greece is the overprint from 1900 and 1901, known as A. M. stamps that were used chiefly for packages and international mail. They were printed over with black or red and new values, with the initials AM on them. This stood for the Greek words that basically meant “value in gold.” So these stamps had values based on the gold standard at the time. They cost more, while the Greek drachma actually fell in value. These overprints were replaced with actual AM stamps in 1902, during the same time the Flying Mercury stamps were released.
Other stamps of Greece include regular issue stamps, provisional stamps, and those used to commemorate special dates, like the 1913 issue of a stamp to commemorate Crete’s annexation to Greece. These were only used in Crete, and so have special significance as a limited circulation stamp.
When collecting stamps of Greece, online auctions like eBay are a good place to find a variety of stamps and even learn a little about the stamps with which you might be unfamiliar. You can often find mixed lots, to quickly build a collection. But if you’re looking for a particular stamp, you should be able to find it, or find a dealer who might have it at a later time. Be sure the seller provides a great picture of the stamps, and ask about any imperfections or damage.
Originally posted 2008-11-12 05:00:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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