The Neapolitan Provinces issued stamps in 1861 during their transition into the Kingdom of Sardinia. These stamps, while visually similar to contemporary Sardinian issues, were denominated in Neapolitan currency (Tornesi, Grano, and Ducato) instead of the unified Italian currency. This guide details the significant stamps of the Neapolitan Provinces, as catalogued, to provide collectors with a complete reference.
Overview
- Issue Year: 1861 (February to March)
- Design: Head (King Victor Emanuel II) embossed in colourless relief within a coloured frame
- Engraver: F. Matraire, Turin
- Catalogue Range: SG 1 to SG 25
- Denomination: Tornesi/Grano/Ducato
- Printing Method: Recess, imperforate
Detailed Stamp Listing
Main Issues
- ½t. blue-green – £650 unused, £425 used
- ½t. green: £28.00 unused, £375 used
- Head inverted: £325 unused, £16000 used
- Printed both sides: £— unused, £41000 used
- ½t. olive: £4000 unused, £850 used
- ½t. emerald: £7500 unused, £1700 used
- Head inverted: £425 unused, £16000 used
- ½g. brown: £325 unused, £400 used
- Head inverted: £2500 unused
- ½g. yellow-brown – £250 unused, £275 used
- ½g. grey-brown – £4500 unused, £425 used
- 1g. black – £650 unused, £36 used
- 1g. grey-black: £550 unused, £65 used
- Head inverted: £- unused, £2500 used
- 2g. blue – £180 unused, £21 used
- 2g. pale blue: £150 unused, £16 used
- Head inverted: £550 unused, £1400 used
- 2g. indigo – £6500 unused, £650 used
- 5g. lilac-rose – £400 unused, £225 used
- 5g. rose – £300 unused, £325 used
- 5g. red: £325 unused, £180 used
- Head inverted: £1600 unused, £12000 used
- 5g. vermilion: £275 unused, £180 used
- Printed both sides: £— unused, £27000 used
- 10g. dull orange: £160 unused, £300 used
- Head double: £300 unused, £600 used
- 10g. orange – £140 unused, £250 used
- 20g. yellow: £550 unused, £3250 used
- Head inverted: £- unused, £53000 used
- 20g. yellow-ochre – £900 unused, £4500 used
- 50g. bluish grey – £65 unused, £12000 used
- 50g. slate-blue – £50 unused, £11000 used
- 50g. pale grey – £100 unused, £15000 used
Errors of Colour
- ½t. black – £122000 unused, £113000 used
- 2g. black – £138000 used
Notes for Collectors
- Forgery Concerns: Many forgeries exist for the 2g., 10g., and 20g. values. These are often identifiable by inaccurate postal obliterations or their reuse as fake unused stamps.
- Errors: Errors such as inverted heads and colour misprints significantly increase a stamp’s value and rarity. Examples include the 2g. Blue with an inverted head (£1400 used) and the ½t. Black error of colour (£113000 used).
- Reprints: Several values were reprinted in 1862 for postal use at Naples, including values like the 20c. Blue and 40c. Carmine-red. These are distinguishable by their lettering and impressions.
- Supersession: These stamps were replaced by the unified Kingdom of Italy issues by 1862.
This comprehensive guide ensures collectors can identify and appreciate the philatelic gems of the Neapolitan Provinces. With values ranging from affordable to some of the most expensive stamps in philately, this series remains a cornerstone for collectors of Italian postal history.