- Issued stamps
- 1947–1947
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- JPY
- Languages
- English, Japanese
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
About B.C.O.F. stamps
O. F. refers to the British Commonwealth Occupation Force, which administered parts of Japan following World War II, rather than a sovereign nation issuing its own definitive stamps. Postal services in this context were primarily managed through the existing Japanese postal system, often under Allied supervision or utilizing British Commonwealth military postal units. Stamps issued during this period would typically reflect the language of the occupying power or the local Japanese language, though official mail often bore markings related to the occupation authority. This administrative arrangement was temporary, concluding as Japan regained full sovereignty.
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.
- B.C.O.F.
How to identify B.C.O.F. stamps
- Look for the distinct 'B.C.O.F.' overprint, typically in black, on Japanese definitive stamps.
- Examine the underlying Japanese stamp for its design, denomination, and watermarks.
- Pay attention to the type and position of the overprint, as varieties exist.
Popular series
-
B.C.O.F. Overprints on Japanese Stamps
1947
Japanese definitive stamps overprinted with 'B.C.O.F.' for use by the British Commonwealth Occupation Force personnel in Japan.
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
- £5–£50
- Scarce stamps
- £100–£1,000+
The value of B.C.O.F. stamps largely depends on the specific Japanese stamp overprinted, the condition of the stamp, and the rarity of the overprint variety. Errors or scarce varieties command higher prices. Complete sets are more desirable.
Catalogs. B.C.O.F. 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 B.C.O.F. stamps
B.C.O.F. stamps are Japanese definitive postage stamps that were overprinted with 'B.C.O.F.' (British Commonwealth Occupation Force) for use by military and civilian personnel of the Allied occupation forces in Japan following World War II. They were issued for a brief period in 1947.
The value of B.C.O.F. stamps varies significantly. Common issues in good condition can be found for a few pounds, while rarer overprint varieties, specific underlying Japanese stamps, or stamps with errors can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Condition is paramount for value.
You can identify B.C.O.F. stamps by the prominent 'B.C.O.F.' overprint on original Japanese stamps. Look for the specific Japanese stamp design, its denomination, and the characteristics of the overprint itself. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
B.C.O.F. stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, their catalog numbers, and estimated values.
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