Turkey Katchak Contraband 2 Piastres Bisect

Turkey · 1884 · 1 Piastre

This bisected stamp features the Ottoman imperial emblem (tughra) surrounded by text, including 'POSTES OTTOMANES' and '2 PIASTRES'. The stamp is diagonally cut, indicating its use for half its original face value.

Issued for a special 'Katchak' (contraband) postal service in response to widespread infringement of the post office monopoly. These stamps were used to tax contraband letters at double rates, with half the fees going to informers.