Ascension Stamps
Ascension is a remote, volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, historically administered as part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the British Empire, with stamps initially issued under the general authority of the Colonial Post Office, later transitioning to definitive issues under the St.
- Issued stamps
- 1922–present
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Saint Helena
About Ascension stamps
Helena administration. Stamps primarily feature English text, reflecting its British administrative heritage, and postal rates have historically been denominated in Pounds Sterling and Pence, later transitioning to decimal currency. The island's strategic importance, particularly during wartime, has occasionally influenced its postal operations and stamp issues.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- ASCENSION
How to identify Ascension stamps
- Look for 'ASCENSION' prominently displayed on the stamp.
- Stamps almost exclusively feature English text.
- Early issues often depict King George V or local scenes like Green Mountain or Wideawake Fairs.
- Denominations are typically in Pounds Sterling (£) and Pence (p) or shillings (s) for older issues, later transitioning to decimal pence.
Popular series
-
King George V Definitives
1922-1937
Ascension's first definitive series, featuring portraits of King George V and local scenes, often highly sought after by collectors.
-
Pictorial Definitives
1938-present
Various long-running series showcasing the island's unique flora, fauna, landscapes, and historical events.
-
War Issues
1940s
Stamps issued during World War II, sometimes overprinted or featuring designs related to the island's strategic role.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- £0.50–£5
- Scarce stamps
- £50–£500+
Early King George V issues, especially high values and errors, can be quite valuable. Later definitive sets are generally affordable, but complete sets in fine condition hold good value. Wartime issues and specific commemorative sets also attract collector interest.
Catalogs. Ascension stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Ascension stamps
Ascension stamps are postage stamps issued for the remote British Overseas Territory of Ascension Island, located in the South Atlantic. They reflect the island's unique history, natural environment, and its administrative ties to Saint Helena and the United Kingdom.
The value of Ascension stamps varies significantly. Early issues, particularly the first definitive series featuring King George V, can be quite valuable, especially in fine condition or with rare varieties. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally more affordable, but complete sets or specific thematic issues can still be sought after by collectors. Rare errors or postal history items can command high prices.
Ascension stamps are typically identified by the clear inscription 'ASCENSION' on the stamp. They feature English text and often depict the British monarch or scenes of the island's unique wildlife, landscapes, and historical events. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Ascension stamps are comprehensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs. Collectors can find detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values, in the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Michel catalogue.
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