Knossos Taurokathapsia Minoan Art Postal Employees Welfare Fund

OVERVIEW

Offered is a postally used example of Greece Scott RA85, a 1951 postal tax stamp issued to support the Postal Employees Welfare Fund. The design shows the famous Minoan bull-leaping scene from Knossos, with a bold red 50 Drachmai surcharge applied to the earlier 5 Lepta base stamp.

Postal tax stamps like this were mandatory additions to regular postage during specific periods to raise government or welfare revenue.

STAMP DETAILS AND DESIGN

This stamp is positively identified as Scott RA85. To raise emergency funds in 1951, the Greek postal service took existing stocks of the 1937 definitive 5 Lepta base stamp and applied the red overprint reading:

"ΠΡΟΝΟΙΑ ΤΑΧ. ΥΠΑΛΛΗΛΩΝ"

(Postal Employees Welfare Fund)

along with the new 50 Drachmai value.

The use of mixed currencies—retaining the original 5 Lepta corners while imposing a 50 Drachmai surcharge—is a fascinating and completely normal characteristic of mid-century Greek tax issues.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The striking base design, featuring a blue-green vignette and brown frame, depicts the Minoan bull-leaping ritual known as "Taurokathapsia" (ΤΑΥΡΟΚΑΘΑΨΙΑ).

This dangerous athletic event from ancient Crete involved acrobatic leaps over a charging bull and is based on the famous Bronze Age fresco discovered at the Palace of Knossos.

This specific surcharge is highly sought after by thematic collectors focusing on ancient history, Minoan art, archaeology on stamps, and classic postal tax usages.

ITEM SPECIFICS

Country: Greece

Year of Issue: 1951

Scott Number: RA85

Denomination: 50 Drachmai Surcharge on 5 Lepta

Currency: Greek Drachma and Lepta

Color: Blue Green Brown Red Surcharge

Cancellation Type: Handstamped

Type: Postal Tax Stamp

Topic: Minoan Art Bull Leaping Postal Tax

Theme: Knossos Taurokathapsia

Era: Post-WWII Era

Quality: Used

Grade: Ungraded

Certification: Uncertified

SKU: GREECE-1951-RA85-MINOAN-USED

CONDITION

This is a used example featuring a handstamped postal cancellation.

The red typographic surcharge is bold, and the underlying engraved design remains clear. There are no obvious thins or tears, and the perforations appear fully intact.

Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully to determine the exact centering and condition.