Fiume Carnaro Islands stamps year 1920 MNH set

In 1920, Fiume Carnaro Islands stamps were issued as part of a series produced during the short-lived Italian Regency of Carnaro, including special overprints for the islands of Arbe (Rab) and Veglia (Krk). These stamps are notable for their historical context and philatelic rarity, marking a transitional political period in the Adriatic.

Key 1920 Carnaro Islands Issues

Fiume 1920 – Legionari di Fiume con soprastampa REGGENZA ITALIANA DEL CARNARO di prova, c. 10 carminio

1920 Legionari di Fiume, c. 10 carmine with test overprint REGGENZA ITALIANA DEL CARNARO, in mint condition. Certificate Cardillo, catalog value €1500.

Fiume 1920 – Legionari di Fiume, c. 10 carminio soprastampato Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro (pair)

1920 Legionari di Fiume, c. 10 carmine overprinted Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro, unique perforation variety, mint, with gum.

Fiume 1920 – Legionari di Fiume con soprastampa Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro serie completa usata (131/146)

1920 Legionari di Fiume with Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro overprint, complete series used, catalog value €1400.

Fiume 1920 – Legionari di Fiume con soprastampa Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro, valori complementari c. 25 azzurro

Complementary values from the 1920 issue, 25c blue with original gum, signed by Emilio Diena, catalog value €500.

Fiume 1920 – Legionari di Fiume, c. 10 carminio soprastampato Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro, esemplare non dentellato in alto usato

1920 Legionari di Fiume, c. 10 carmine overprinted Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro, unperforated top variety, used. Uncatalogued variety.

On November 18 and 28, 1920, stamps of Fiume received special overprints “ARBE” (Rab) and “VEGLIA” (Krk) to mark their occupation of these islands. These overprints came in two different sizes and were produced by letterpress in Rijeka. The base stamps were from the original ‘Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro’ military issue.

Most of these Carnaro Islands issues are highly collectible, and forgeries exist, so expert authentication is essential for significant purchases. The catalogued sets vary by denomination, overprint size, color, and intended use (regular mail or military post).