Post-War Historical Royalty Issues Heavy Handstamp Cancels

OVERVIEW

Offered is a complete used set of Greece Scott 498 through 500, officially issued in 1947.

This set features surcharged denominations on definitive stamps depicting King George II of Greece.

Following the King's sudden death in April 1947, these black surcharges were applied to existing stamp stocks to reflect rapidly changing postal rates during the difficult post-war reconstruction period.

They are widely collected as a distinctive late George II post-war issue.

STAMP AND SURCHARGE ANALYSIS

This complete set comprises three stamps, accurately cataloged as Scott 498, 499, and 500.

The specific surcharges are 50 Drachmas on the 1 Drachma green (Scott 498), 250 Drachmas on the 3 Drachmas red-brown (Scott 499), and 600 Drachmas on the 8 Drachmas deep blue (Scott 500).

These reflect the inflationary pressures and emergency postal adjustments of Greece in the immediate aftermath of World War II.

CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE

King George II of Greece ruled during one of the most turbulent periods in modern Greek history, including exile during World War II, restoration to the throne, and the unstable post-war environment that followed. Surcharged sets from the immediate post-WWII era are classic markers of economic inflation and political transition.

For collectors of Greek postal history or European royalty, this set serves as a tangible artifact of the tumultuous final year of King George II's reign.

ITEM SPECIFICS

Type: Postage

Country of Origin: Greece

Year of Issue: 1947

Scott Numbers: 498, 499, 500

Denominations: 50D on 1D, 250D on 3D, 600D on 8D

Currency: Greek Drachma

Quality: Used

Cancellation Type: Heavy Handstamp

Topic: King George II Royalty Mourning Post-War Greece

Era: 1940s

Number of Stamps: 3

Certification: Uncertified

Grade: Ungraded

Custom SKU: GRE-1947-KGII-SC498-500-USED

CONDITION

Complete used set of three with heavy, legible handstamped postal cancellations, indicating genuine period usage.

The cancels are bold and clearly visible, giving the set solid used character.

Centering is typical for the issue, and the perforations remain intact.

No obvious faults, thins, or tears are noted. Please review all high-resolution images carefully for exact centering and cancel condition; you will receive the exact stamps shown.