StampVault
Back to Catalog
Greece Large Hermes Head
uncommonpre-1900

Greece Large Hermes Head

Greece · 1861 · 1 Lepton

This stamp features a profile of the Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the gods, modeled after a medal by French engraver Albert Désiré Barre. Known as the 'Large Hermes Head', this was the first postage stamp issued by Greece. The design is simple, focusing on the classical portrait within a rectangular frame with the denomination at the bottom.

Issued in 1861 following Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire, these stamps symbolized the nation's new sovereignty and its connection to its classical ancient heritage.

Printing Method

Typography

Catalog Numbers

sg1
scott1
michel1

Image: · License:

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$150
Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$100
Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$60
Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$25
Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$10

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.