Ireland 1922 2d Thom Overprint, Coil Stamp, Inverted Overprint

Ireland · 1922 · 2d

This definitive stamp features a map of Ireland, originally issued under British rule. It was provisionally overprinted in 1922 by the new Irish Free State with the Gaelic text 'Rialtas Sealadach na hÉireann 1922' (Provisional Government of Ireland 1922). This particular variety is a rare error where the overprint was applied upside down on a coil stamp, identifiable by the straight edges on the left and right sides.

Issued during the transitional period of the Irish Free State's formation, these overprinted stamps represent Ireland's first steps towards philatelic and political independence from Great Britain.