Mytilene Overprint on Greek "Flying Mercury" Stamp

Greece · 1912 · 5 Lepta

This stamp is a Greek definitive from the "Flying Mercury" series, originally issued in 1901. It features a dynamic depiction of the Greek god Hermes (Roman Mercury), the messenger of the gods. The stamp was overprinted with "ΜΥΤΙΛΗΝΗ" (Mytilene) for provisional use on the island of Lesbos following its occupation by Greek forces.

Issued during the First Balkan War, this overprint marks the liberation and incorporation of Mytilene and the island of Lesbos into the Kingdom of Greece in late 1912.