Large Hermes Head, 1 lepton

Greece · 1861 · 1 lepton

This stamp features the 'Large Hermes Head' design, a classic motif in early Greek philately. The profile of the Greek god Hermes, messenger of the gods, is depicted facing right, inspired by a medal created by French engraver Albert Désiré Barre. This was the first postage stamp issued by Greece.

Issued in 1861, this stamp marked Greece's entry into the postal union, following its independence from the Ottoman Empire. The choice of Hermes, the messenger god, was a powerful national symbol for the new postal system.