Stamps of the Kingdom of Italy

by Tony Clayton

Overprinted Victory Issue of 1924.

1923 Propaganda Fide Issue <<-- : -->> 1927 Volta Issue

Main Index

Stamps printed to celebrate Victory at the end of the First World War were intended to be issued in 1919, and the four values were intended to cover printed matter (5c), local postcards (10c), postcards or local letters (15c), and non-local or foreign letters (25c).

In the event the stamps were not issued until 1st November 1921, by which time the postage rates had significantly increased. Speculation ensued, so a further printing was made.

This resulted in surplus stocks, so all four values were overprinted LIRE UNA to pay the foreign letter rate.

1 lira on 5 centesimi green, perf 14 Sassone 158.

As the overprinted stamps are significantly scarcer than the unoverprinted versions, forgeries abound.

Top: Genuine Overprint Bottom: Forged overprint. Note the last A in particular

1923 Propaganda Fide Issue <<-- : -->> 1927 Volta Issue
Main Italian Stamp Index
Kingdom of Italy Index

Stamps of Italy - Overprinted Victory Issue / Copyright reserved by the author, Tony Clayton
v1 8th March 2010