rarepre-1900

Ottoman Empire Katchak Contraband 20 Para Bisect

Name: Ottoman Empire Katchak Contraband 20 Para Bisect
Brand: Ottoman Empire
Availability: InStock

Ottoman Empire · 1884 · 10 Para

A diagonally bisected rectangular stamp, featuring Ottoman Turkish script. It was part of a special postal contraband service.

Issued by the Ottoman Empire in response to widespread infringement of the postal monopoly, this stamp was used for a special 'Katchak' (contraband) postal service. Contraband letters were taxed at double rates, with half the fees going to informers.

Printing Method

Typography

Themes

contraband postal-service taxation bisect ottoman

Image: Turkish Postal autorities · License: Public domain

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$2,325

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$1,395

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$775

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$387

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$155

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.