Overrun Countries series facts for kids
The Overrun Countries series was a special set of thirteen commemorative postage stamps. Each stamp was worth five cents. The United States released these stamps between 1943 and 1944. They were made to honor thirteen countries that were taken over, occupied, or joined by the Axis Powers during or just before World War II.
What Are Overrun Countries Stamps?
These stamps show the colorful national flags of different countries. These countries included Poland, Czechoslovakia, Norway, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Greece, Yugoslavia, Albania, Austria, Denmark, and Korea. The name of each country was written below its flag.
On the left side of each flag, you can see a phoenix. A phoenix is a mythical bird that symbolizes new life and rising again. On the right side, there is a kneeling female figure. She has her arms raised, breaking chains. This shows freedom from being controlled.
When Were the Stamps Released?
The stamps with flags of European countries came out between June and December 1943. The stamp for Korea was released later, in November 1944.
Here are the exact dates when each stamp was issued:
- Poland: June 22, 1943
- Czechoslovakia: July 12, 1943
- Norway: July 27, 1943
- Luxembourg: August 10, 1943
- The Netherlands: August 23, 1943
- Belgium: September 14, 1943
- France: September 28, 1943
- Greece: October 12, 1943
- Yugoslavia: October 26, 1943
- Albania: November 9, 1943
- Austria: November 23, 1943
- Denmark: December 7, 1943
- Korea: November 2, 1944
Who Made the Stamps?
Making these stamps was a complex process because they used many colors. The United States government's Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., usually prints stamps. However, for this series, they hired a private company. This company was the American Bank Note Company in New York City.
The official numbers for these stamps in the Scott catalogue are from 909 to 921.
