The Faroe Islands, located between Scotland, Iceland, and Norway, are part of the Danish Realm but are self-governing, and issue their own postage stamps. Faroe Islands stamps are inscribed not in English, but with the Faroese name of the islands, FØROYAR.
The very first stamps that could be called Faroese were Danish stamps with overprints, used in 1919. These were 5 øre stamps, with a surcharge of 2 øre. Later, when Germany was occupying Denmark in World War II, Great Britain administered the postal system of the Faroe Islands, and again surcharged Danish stamps. None of the 1919 and 1940-1941 surcharged stamps is identified as Faroese; most collectors, unless they know about this history, will assume these are surcharged stamps for use in Denmark.
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Ever increasing its self-government, the Faroe Islands began issuing its very own stamps in 1975; the first series depicted maps of the Faroes, and some of the striking arctic scenery in its surrounding waters. Each year, the Faroe Islands issue new Føroyar stamps and special collectible items. Some of the examples of Faroese philately are unique and very strikingly designed; see, for example, a fantastic (in more than one way) 2001 souvenir sheet featuring Nordic myths about light and darkness, a true piece of art.
Check our subcategories for certain types of Faroe Islands postage stamps, covers, and collectibles. Offers are added and updated daily.
