Ireland 1922 2d 'Saorstát Éireann' Overprint

Ireland · 1922 · 2d

This definitive stamp features a portrait of King George V of Great Britain. It was originally issued for use throughout the United Kingdom but was overprinted in 1922 with 'Saorstát Éireann 1922' (Irish Free State 1922) in Gaelic script for provisional use in the newly established state.

This stamp is one of the first issues of the Irish Free State, created by overprinting existing British stamps following the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. These provisional issues were a necessary step before Ireland could design and print its own distinct postage.