Postage Stamps of Italy

by Tony Clayton

San Marino

Italian Occupation of Corfu <<-- : -->> Philatelic and Bogus Issues

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Italian Stamps Used in San Marino

Prior to the first issue of San Marino stamps in 1877, those of Italy were used. Until a Post Office was opened in San Marino mail was sent to Rimini. Such use is evident from the special postmarks used.

5 centesimi Type 2 Matraire issue of Italy postmarked in Rimini with a San Marino cachet

Another example showing more of the cachet

1 centesimi stamp of Italy postmarked with a San Marino postmark

First Issue, 1877

San Marino issued its own stamps for the first time in 1877. The 5c and 25c followed in 1890. The new blue colour of the 10c arrived during 1888.

10c ultramarine and 10c blue Sassone 3 and 3A Both Sassone and SG misuse the word ultramarine to describe a colour which is closer to azure Image of the left stamp taken from Ebay

The 10c blue, 30c and 40c are the key values of the original issue in mint condition Sassone 6 and 7

Overprinted Issue, 1892

Overprints were used in an issue of 1892. They show many variations of typeface and error.

5c on 10c blue This example has 8 dots instead of a line under the mi Sassone 8v

5c on 10c blue, inverted overprint The right hand stamp has the raised i in Cmi Sassone 8a

5c on 30c brown Both the C and 5 differ Sassone 9

The two main types of 10c on 20c red Sassone 10 and 11

Overprint varieties Left: Raised i in Cmi (Sassone 8m) Right: comma instead of full stop after Cmi (Sassone 10p)

Overprint type variations typical of this issue Sassone 10

Second Issue in New Colours, 1892-4

A further change of colours took place in 1894-9

15 centesimi carmine brown and 2 lire brown and yellow Sassone 15 and 21a

New definitive designs, 1903

20 centesimi orange and 5 lire slate Two of the three key values. The 2 lire violet is very rare. Sassone 37 and 45

New colours, 1921-3

2 centesimi brown-red, 20 centesimi brown and 2 lire orange Sassone 69, 73 and 81

Italian Red Cross issue, 1923

Seven values and an express stamp were issued on September 20th.

50+5 centesimi grey Sassone 99

60+5 centesimi red express stamp Sassone E4

Proofs of the 50+5c and 1 lire +5c Sassone footnote

1903 design in a new set of colours, 1925

Values from 5c to 5 lire were issued in new colours between April and November

20c green, 30c orange and 5 lire ultramarine Sassone 110, 112 and 118

Surcharged issues, 1926-7

Redundant values were reused by overprinting with new denominations.

75c on 80c blue Sassone 119	1.20 lire on 90c brown Sassone 120
1.25 lire on 90c brown Sassone 121	2.50l on 80c blue Sassone 122
1.85 lire on 60c violet express stamp of 1903 Sassone 129	1.75l on unissued 50c on 25c violet express stamp. Sassone 133 Only two imperforate examples of the 50 on 25c express stamp are known.

Provisional Express Stamp, 1927

A previously overprinted Express stamp was in turn overprinted with a revised value.

1.25l on 60c on 25c provisional express issue Pair showing normal L (above) and alternative typeface (position 15) Sassone E6 and E6a

New Style Definitives, 1929

Values from 5c to 20 lire were issued on March 28th. The 3.70 lire was added in 1935.

A beautifully used example of the top 20 lire value on piece. It is such a shame that the top right corner was torn before posting! Sassone 158

Sports Issue, 1953

1953 Sports issue Air Mail 200 lire (top value of the set). Sassone A111

Overprinted Express Issue, 1965

120 lire on 75 lire, double overprint. Sassone E25a Courtesy of Italy and Colonies Study Circle

Postage Dues

1924 Postage Due issue 5 lire, brown and green. Unlisted bent L variety Sassone D17 Courtesy of Italy and Colonies Study Circle

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