Greece

### The History and Significance of Postage Stamps in Greece

Greece, a country with a rich history and cultural heritage, has a fascinating philatelic history that reflects its ancient traditions, political changes, and significant historical events. The postage stamps of Greece offer insights into the nation’s journey from its early days to the modern era.

### Early Postal History

#### First Stamps (1861)
- **First Issues**: Greece issued its first postage stamps in 1861, known as the "Large Hermes Heads." These stamps featured the profile of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, and were based on an ancient Greek coin.
- **Design and Usage**: The early stamps were beautifully engraved and used for both domestic and international mail, marking Greece's entry into the modern postal system.

### Late 19th Century and Early 20th Century

#### Expansion and Variety
- **Small Hermes Heads (1886-1900)**: The "Small Hermes Heads" were introduced in 1886, featuring similar designs but smaller in size and more economical to produce.
- **Commemorative Issues**: The early 20th century saw the introduction of commemorative stamps celebrating significant national events, such as the 1896 Olympic Games, which were revived in Athens.

#### The Balkan Wars and World War I
- **War Themes**: During the Balkan Wars (1912-1913) and World War I, Greek stamps often depicted themes of national defense and patriotism. These stamps featured military leaders, national symbols, and scenes from the battles.

### Mid-20th Century

#### World War II and Occupation (1940-1944)
- **Occupation Issues**: During the German and Italian occupation of Greece in World War II, occupation forces issued stamps. These stamps are significant for their historical context, representing a period of hardship and resistance.
- **Resistance and Liberation**: Following the liberation of Greece, stamps celebrated the resistance movement and the country's freedom, often featuring themes of victory and peace.

#### Post-War Reconstruction and Modernization
- **Economic and Social Development**: Post-war stamps highlighted Greece's recovery and development, showcasing themes of economic progress, infrastructure projects, and social reforms.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Stamps during this period often celebrated Greece's rich cultural heritage, including famous ancient sites like the Parthenon, Delphi, and Olympia, as well as notable figures in Greek history and mythology.

### Modern Era

#### Contemporary Themes (1960-Present)
- **Art and Culture**: Modern Greek stamps frequently feature themes of art, culture, and history, celebrating Greece’s contributions to philosophy, science, and the arts. Famous Greek philosophers, scientists, and artists are often depicted.
- **Natural Beauty**: Greece’s stunning landscapes, including its islands, mountains, and coastlines, are prominently featured on stamps. Themes of environmental conservation and biodiversity are also emphasized.
- **Commemorative Issues**: Modern stamps commemorate significant national and international events, such as anniversaries of historical events, participation in the European Union, and international sporting events.

#### Technological and Artistic Advances
- **Innovative Designs**: Modern Greek stamps utilize advanced printing techniques, including photogravure and offset printing, allowing for vibrant colors and detailed illustrations. Special editions and thematic collections are often issued to celebrate specific events or milestones.

### Philatelic Significance

#### Collecting Interest
- **Historical Value**: Stamps from the early issues, the Balkan Wars, World War II, and significant historical periods are highly valued by collectors for their historical significance and rarity.
- **Artistic Appeal**: The wide range of themes and high-quality designs make Greek stamps attractive to collectors worldwide. The combination of classical and modern artistic elements offers a comprehensive view of Greek heritage.

#### Community and Resources
- **Philatelic Societies**: Greece has an active community of philatelists, with organizations such as the Hellenic Philatelic Society promoting stamp collecting, organizing exhibitions, and providing resources for collectors.
- **Catalogs and Publications**: Specialized catalogs and publications, such as the "Karamitsos Catalogue," provide detailed information on Greek stamps, aiding collectors in identifying and valuing their collections.

### Conclusion

The postage stamps of Greece offer a rich and varied reflection of the country’s history, cultural heritage, and significant milestones. From the early issues featuring Hermes to the vibrant and diverse themes of modern stamps, Greece's philatelic history provides a captivating glimpse into the nation’s journey through time. Collectors cherish these stamps for their historical value, artistic beauty, and the stories they tell about Greece’s evolving identity and heritage.