Italian Social Republic (RSI) Overprint on Imperiale Series

Italy · 1943 · 25 Centesimi

This stamp is part of the first definitive series issued by the Italian Social Republic (RSI). It features a black overprint of a fasces emblem and the initials 'G.N.R.' (Guardia Nazionale Repubblicana) on a pre-existing 25 Centesimi stamp from the Italian 'Imperiale' series. The overprint signifies the change in political authority in northern Italy during the latter part of World War II.

Issued in 1943 by the Italian Social Republic, a German puppet state led by Mussolini after the armistice. These overprinted stamps were used in the territory under RSI control until its collapse in 1945.