5 Lepta Stamp Appraisal

Autonomous Epirus 5 Lepta Postage Stamp

This item is a vintage postage stamp from Autonomous Epirus, specifically a 5 Lepta denomination stamp. The stamp's design features a prominent central motif of a double-headed eagle, a symbol often associated with the Byzantine Empire and adopted by various Orthodox Christian nations, including Greece. This eagle is rendered in a dark, possibly grey or black, ink against a background that appears to be a stylized flag of horizontal blue and white stripes, consistent with the Greek flag pattern. Above the eagle's heads, there is a small cross-like symbol. The main central design is framed by a rectangular border. On the left vertical side of this border, the Greek word "AYTONOMOY" (Autonomous) is written downwards, and on the right vertical side, "HMEIPOY" (Epirus) is written downwards. Below the central image, within a separate rectangular panel, the denomination "ΔΕΙ̣Ι̣Α 5" (LEPTA 5) is clearly printed. The stamp exhibits a perforated edge, indicating it was part of a larger sheet and separated from other stamps. The color palette is predominantly white, blue, and the dark color of the eagle and text. The paper has a slight yellowish tint, suggesting age, but appears to be in relatively good condition with no visible major tears or heavy creasing. The printing quality is consistent with early 20th-century philately, showing clear lines and details. The item likely dates from 1914, aligning with the period of the Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus. The craftsmanship appears standard for postage stamps of that era, focusing on legibility and symbolic representation.