Greece Large Hermes Heads collection year 1861 / 1874 stamps

The “Large Hermes Heads” are among the most iconic and significant stamps in Greek philatelic history. Here is an overview of the collection and key details:

Large Hermes Heads Collection (1861 – 1874)

1. Issuance: The Large Hermes Heads were first issued in 1861 and continued to be printed until 1874. They were Greece’s first postage stamps.
2. Design: These stamps feature the profile of the Greek god Hermes. The design was inspired by the classical Greek art style and engraved by Albert Barre, chief engraver at the French Mint.
3. Production:
   • Printing: The stamps were produced using typography (letterpress printing).
   • Paper and Ink: The stamps were printed on various types of paper and with different shades of ink over the years, leading to many collectible variations.
4. Denominations: The series includes a range of denominations, typically from 1 lepton to 80 lepta. Each denomination had a distinct color:
   • 1 lepton: Black
   • 2 lepta: Blue
   • 5 lepta: Green
   • 10 lepta: Orange
   • 20 lepta: Sky blue
   • 40 lepta: Purple
   • 80 lepta: Rose
5. Watermarks: Early issues were not watermarked, but later issues featured various watermarks which are critical for identification and valuation.
6. Reprints and Forgeries:
   • The stamps were reprinted several times, with official reprints made for philatelic purposes.
   • Numerous forgeries exist due to their popularity and value, so authentication is crucial.
7. Plate Flaws and Varieties: Due to the manual printing process, many stamps exhibit plate flaws and minor variations which are of great interest to collectors.
8. Cancellations: The type and clarity of cancellations can also significantly affect the stamp’s value. Different towns and periods used various postmarks.

Collecting Tips

• Condition: As with most philatelic items, the condition of the stamp (mint or used, centered, perforation integrity) greatly influences value.
• Expertization: Due to the prevalence of forgeries, obtaining certificates of authenticity from reputable philatelic experts or organizations is recommended.
• Specialized Literature: Investing in specialized catalogs and reference books on Greek philately can provide valuable information on identifying and valuing these stamps.

Notable Features

• First Issue (1861): Known as “Paris Print” because they were printed in Paris. These are particularly prized for their quality.
• Subsequent Issues: Later prints were made in Athens, known as “Athens Prints”, with noticeable differences in quality and characteristics from the Paris prints.