Stamp Details:
- Issue Year: 1903
- Catalogue Reference: SG No. F4A
- Denomination: 50 Centimes
- Perforation: 13×13½
- Paper: Granite Paper (with silk threads)
- Feature: Varnish Lines
Key Features:
- Granite Paper:
- This stamp is printed on granite paper, easily recognizable by the visible silk threads embedded into the paper. This was a security measure to prevent counterfeiting.
- Varnish Lines:
- The overprinted varnish bars were specifically introduced as a protective feature to discourage the fraudulent cleaning and reuse of postage stamps. These varnish lines created a subtle texture that made tampering evident.
Historical Context:
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Austro-Hungarian Empire maintained post offices in the Ottoman Empire. These offices catered to European merchants, diplomats, and travellers, allowing them to use familiar postal services in a foreign land.
The stamps were issued in the local currency (French francs and centimes) to align with the prevalent financial system used in trade. The added security features, such as varnish lines and granite paper, reflected the importance of preventing postal fraud in an international context, particularly when handling cross-border correspondence.
Significance:
This stamp is a fascinating piece of postal history, showcasing the innovations in anti-fraud measures of its time. Collectors value such stamps not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for the story they tell about the complexities of international postal systems and their reliance on secure practices.