Tuscany Postage Stamps- Classic Stamps for Collectors

Published

May 14, 2015 Europe/London
Tuscany Postage Stamps

Postage stamps have different values in the market, and often their perceived values will depend on availability, design and significance and the place of origin. This is the reason why the listing of valuable postage stamps is considered an elite list, since only a few stamps can be considered rare and highly valuable. And when it comes to valuable and classic postage stamps, collectors can’t go wrong with the postage stamps from Tuscany, Italy, particularly those that were issued from 1851 to 1860. These were the years of independence for Tuscany, before it was officially admitted into the United Provinces of Central Italy. The independence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany ran from 1569 to 1859, and counted Florence as its capital. It was in 1862 when the state was included as an official member of Italy.

From Private Letters to Classic Stamps

The mail services of the state started out as a private letter service that was used from 1300 to 1400. It was only on 1704 when a decree was issued to convert the postal service into a service to be offered by the state. This was the start of state regulation when it comes to transporting of letters. Before the age of postage stamps, the letters and postal markings were traditionally handwritten and other markings were added using the rubber stamp. Postal marking that showed the mailing date was added as a detail in 1839. The state also signed postage stamp-related agreements with the Kingdom of Sardinia and Austria. The agreements between these states focused on postal rates and the manner in which letters can be sent from one state to the other. Another agreement between Tuscany and Austria was signed on 1850.

An early postage stamp released by the state of Tuscany was called the Marzocco, and details a crowned lion with fleur-de-lis. This image was inspired by the work of Donatello, and was made as one of the symbols of Florence during the time of renaissance. Tuscany stamps share similar design details, and the only difference can be found on the denomination and color. The postage stamps were issued in different denominations that include 1, 4 and 6 crazie. Other denominations soon followed, including the 1 quattrino (1852). Postage stamps were printed by typography courtesy of F. Cambiagi, and the engraving was made by Guiseppe Niderost. These were imperforate, and printed on gray and slightly blue paper.

Another important and classic Tuscany postage stamp is the ‘Arms of Savoy’. The arms of the House of Savoy was used as the main design on the stamps that officially replaced the lion with crown. And just like the other issued stamps, these were typographed, imperforated and available in sheets with 240 stamps.