Ireland 2d Map of Ireland, Overprinted 'Rialtas Sealadach na hÉireann 1922'

Ireland · 1922 · 2d

This stamp features a map of Ireland and was originally a British definitive stamp from the reign of King George V. It was overprinted in black ink with 'Rialtas Sealadach na hÉireann 1922' (Provisional Government of Ireland 1922) to mark the establishment of the new Irish Free State. This overprinting process was a quick and practical way to create the first official postage stamps for the new nation.

Issued in 1922, this stamp is one of the first postage stamps of the newly formed Irish Free State, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. The overprinting of existing British stamps symbolized the transition of postal authority from British to Irish control.