Axis Occupation Medical Philately Postal Telegraph Telephone Tuberculosis Fund

OVERVIEW

Offered is a Mint Never Hinged (MNH) pair of Greece Scott RA70 and RA71.

These postal tax stamps were issued between 1942 and 1943 to raise critical funds for the Anti-Tuberculosis Campaign during the Axis occupation of Greece in World War II.

The combination of classic Greek base designs with emergency wartime public health surcharges makes this a compelling piece for collectors of WWII postal history, medical themes, or specialized Greek philately.

STAMP AND SURCHARGE ANALYSIS

Both stamps are from the 1927 Greek landscape definitive series and carry a red lithographic overprint featuring the double-barred Cross of Lorraine and the inscription "ΦΥΜ. Τ.Τ.Τ." referencing the Postal, Telegraph, and Telephone Tuberculosis Fund. The overprint alters their value, applying a 10 Drachmas surcharge. Scott RA70 is applied to the 5 Lepta green Corinth Canal design, and Scott RA71 is applied to the 25 Lepta ultramarine White Tower of Thessaloniki design.

CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE

During World War II, Greece faced severe economic hardship, food shortages, and public health crises under Axis occupation, with tuberculosis being one of the most devastating diseases affecting the population.

To rapidly raise funds for medical treatment and prevention without using new resources, the government utilized existing 1927 definitive stamp stocks.

These emergency semi-postal issues are poignant reminders of wartime resilience and public health crisis management.

ITEM SPECIFICS

Type: Postal Tax Stamp Set

Country of Origin: Greece

Year of Issue: 1942

Scott Numbers: RA70, RA71

Denominations: 10D on 5L, 10D on 25L

Currency: Greek Drachma

Quality: Mint Never Hinged (MNH) Original Gum

Certification: Uncertified

Grade: Ungraded

Topic: Public Health Medical History World War II

Theme: Anti-Tuberculosis Charity Surcharges

Era: 1940s

Number of Stamps: 2

Custom SKU: GRE-1942-ANTITB-RA70-RA71-MNH

CONDITION

The set of two is in Mint Never Hinged (MNH) condition with original gum fully intact.

The base colors remain bright, and the red overprints are strong and distinct. Perforations are clean, and no visible thins, tears, or repairs are observed.

Please review all high-resolution images carefully for exact centering and gum condition; you will receive the exact stamps shown.