Overprints / Provisionals

Ireland became independent in 1922. As a temporary measure while the first Irish stamps were being designed it was decided to continue to use British stamps.

However to reflect Ireland's new statehood these stamps were overprinted with Irish Free State Government text in gaelic (Irish).

The first overprints were issued on December 11th 1922. Most were discontinued on a gradual basis as new Irish stamps became available although the higher value seahorses continued to be used for several years.