Turkey Contraband Post 5 Piastres
Turkey · 1888 · 5 Piastres
The stamp features a central oval design with a star and crescent, symbols of the Ottoman Empire, surrounded by the country name 'TURQUIE' at the top and 'CONTREBANDE' at the bottom, with the denomination '5 PIASTRES' on either side. The design is framed by an ornate border.
Issued by the Ottoman Empire in 1888, this stamp was part of a special service to tax letters carried illegally by travelers, aiming to enforce the postal monopoly and recover lost postal revenue.
Printing Method
Engraved
Image: Turkish Postal autorities · License: Public domain
Estimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.
