Italy Kingdom year 1860/1930 stamps Used lot
Italy issued many stamps between 1860 and 1930, reflecting the country’s history and development during that period. Here’s an overview of some notable stamps from each era:
1860-1870: Early Kingdom of Italy
- First Issues (1862-1863): These are some of the earliest stamps issued after the unification of Italy in 1861. The designs featured the portrait of King Victor Emmanuel II. They were printed in various colors and had denominations ranging from 1 centesimo to 80 centesimi.
- 1863-1865: The Sardinian coat of arms stamps, used throughout the new Kingdom of Italy, continued to be issued with minor modifications. The most common is the 15 centesimi blue.
1870-1900: Kingdom of Italy Expands
- 1877 Series: Known as the “De La Rue” series, named after the British printing company, these stamps depicted King Victor Emmanuel II. They were printed on better quality paper and with better engraving techniques.
- 1891-1897 “Umberto I” Series: Stamps issued during King Umberto I’s reign depicted his portrait in various frames and denominations, ranging from 1 centesimo to 5 lire.
1900-1930: Early 20th Century
- 1901-1910 “Victor Emmanuel III” Series: A series of stamps featuring the new king, Victor Emmanuel III, after Umberto I’s assassination in 1900. The designs varied, with intricate patterns and frames, in denominations from 1 centesimo to 5 lire.
- 1923 “Manzoni Commemorative”: Issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni. These stamps were among the first Italian commemorative stamps and depicted a portrait of Manzoni.
- 1929 “10th Anniversary of the Fascist Government”: A series featuring the Fasces, the emblem of the Fascist party, highlighting the influence of Benito Mussolini’s government on Italian stamp designs.
Collecting Tips:
- Condition: Stamps from this period are valued based on their condition, with mint condition (unused) stamps being more valuable.
- Rarity: Some issues, particularly early ones or limited editions like commemoratives, can be quite rare and sought after by collectors.
- Overprints and Errors: Look out for overprinted stamps or printing errors, which can also add significant value.
