During World War II, the Faroe Islands came under British administration from April 13, 1940, to 1945. This occupation was a strategic move to prevent a German invasion, as Denmark had been occupied by Nazi forces on April 9, 1940. Although Denmark remained the official postal authority for the islands, a shortage of Danish postage stamps led to locally surcharged issues in the Faroe Islands. These unique stamps have become highly collectible due to their historical significance, scarcity, and surcharge varieties.
This guide will cover the history, varieties, errors, and valuation of the wartime stamps issued in the Faroe Islands, helping both new and experienced collectors navigate this fascinating philatelic area.
Historical Background of Faroe Islands British Occupation Stamps
When British forces took control of the Faroe Islands, normal postal services continued using Danish stamps supplied via the Universal Postal Union (UPU). However, due to wartime disruptions, shipments from Denmark were delayed. To solve this problem, local authorities in Tórshavn authorized temporary surcharges on existing Danish stamps, creating the unique overprinted issues we see today.
These surcharged stamps were used to maintain postal services and meet demand, as existing stamp stocks were running low. The overprints were applied manually, leading to variations, errors, and double surcharges, all of which have added to their collectability.
Faroe Islands Wartime Stamps: Issues & Varieties
The British occupation-era stamps of the Faroe Islands were surcharged on Danish stamps by H.N. Jacobsen in Tórshavn. The main issues were released between 1940 and 1941.
1. 20 Øre on 15 Øre Scarlet (Issued November 2, 1940)
- The most well-known overprint applied to a 15 Øre scarlet Danish stamp.
- Standard version valued at £65 mint and £12 used.
- Rare Varieties:
- Surcharge bar omitted – Highly valuable, estimated at £650 (Used) from Proof Copies – 200 stamps were released and later entered circulation
- Double surcharge – Rare error, estimated at £750 (Used).
2. 20 Øre on 1 Øre Blackish Green (Issued May 2, 1941)
- Used to cover lower postal denominations.
- Standard version estimated at £32 mint, £40 used.
3. 20 Øre on 5 Øre Maroon (Issued March 17, 1941)
- Regular postage issue with a moderate survival rate.
- Estimated value: £25 mint, £10 used.
4. 50 Øre on 5 Øre Maroon (Issued December 6, 1940)
- Higher-value surcharge, mainly used for international mail.
- Estimated value: £225 mint, £40 used.
5. 60 Øre on 6 Øre Orange (Issued December 21, 1940)
- Considered one of the rarer wartime surcharges.
- Estimated value: £95 mint, £100 used.
Unique Postal Cancellations Used During the War (1941)
By mid-1941, Danish stamp shortages led to emergency postal markings in place of stamps. Circular “FAERØERNE FRANCO-BETALT” cancellations were introduced, with values of:
- 5 Øre
- 10 Øre
- 20 Øre
These postal markings were often applied to money order forms, making full cover versions extremely rare.
Why These Stamps Are Valuable
Several key factors contribute to the high value and collectibility of Faroe Islands wartime stamps:
1. Wartime Historical Significance
- These stamps are directly linked to World War II postal history, making them historically important.
- As part of British military occupation policies, these surcharges were a temporary solution to a real supply problem.
2. Surcharge Errors and Variations
- The most valuable varieties include:
- Surcharge bars missing
- Double overprints
- Misaligned or misprinted overprints
- Some errors command values 10 times higher than standard issues.
3. Limited Supply and Demand
- Only a small number of stamps were surcharged, making them scarce in unused condition.
- Many of the used copies feature Tórshavn postmarks, which are sought after by collectors.
4. Forgeries and Authentication
- Due to their high value, forgeries exist in the market.
- How to identify a genuine stamp:
- Check the thickness and placement of the surcharge bar.
- Inspect the alignment of numerals and text.
- Watermark verification can confirm authenticity.
Collector’s Guide: Tips for Acquiring Faroe Islands Wartime Stamps
If you’re interested in collecting Faroe Islands British Occupation stamps, here are some essential tips:
1. Look for Mint Condition Copies (If Possible)
- Mint condition stamps are always preferred, as used copies often have heavy cancellations.
- Gum condition matters—hinged or lightly mounted mint copies fetch higher prices.
2. Verify Authenticity with Certificates
- Given the presence of forgeries and reprints, it’s best to buy authenticated copies from reputable dealers.
- Certificates from expertizing bodies like the Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL) add credibility.
3. Focus on Surcharge Errors
- If you’re looking for high-value investment pieces, seek out double surcharges, missing bars, and proof copies.
- Some errors are so rare that they appear only once or twice at major auctions every decade.
4. Consider Full Covers
- Stamps on original wartime covers are significantly rarer than loose stamps.
- Covers with clear “FAERØERNE FRANCO-BETALT” postal markings are highly desirable.
5. Diversify Your Collection
- Collecting the entire series (including regular and error varieties) adds historical depth.
- Don’t overlook related WWII postal history items, such as censored mail and war-related correspondence.
Final Thoughts
The Faroe Islands British Occupation stamps stand out as an exceptional category of World War II philately. With their historical background, scarcity, and surcharge variations, these stamps have remained a cornerstone of Nordic and wartime postal history collecting.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your philatelic journey, these stamps offer an exciting challenge. From hunting for rare surcharge errors to studying postal cancellations used during wartime, there’s always something new to discover in this niche area.