Basel Stamps
Basel, a canton located in northwestern Switzerland, is situated at the crossroads of the Swiss Plateau, bordering France and Germany. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the development of the Swiss Confederation, with Basel issuing its own definitive stamps only briefly between 1845 and 1868 before joining the unified Swiss postal system.
- Issued stamps
- 1845–1845
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- CHF
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Switzerland
About Basel stamps
Stamps from this period primarily feature German, reflecting the dominant language of the canton, and illustrate the transition from local postal administration to a national framework following the establishment of the Swiss Post PTT. This short, independent postal era makes Basel's early issues highly significant in Swiss philately.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Basel stamps
- Look for the unique design of a white dove carrying a letter, printed in three colors (red, blue, black).
- The denomination '2½ Rp.' (Rappen) is visible at the bottom.
- Authenticity is paramount; expertization is highly recommended due to numerous forgeries and facsimiles.
Popular series
-
Basel Dove
1845
The iconic and only stamp issued by the Canton of Basel, featuring a white dove carrying a letter, printed in red, blue, and black.
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
- N/A (only one issue, all are rare)
- Scarce stamps
- CHF 20,000–CHF 150,000+
The Basel Dove is one of the world's most famous and valuable classic stamps. Its value depends heavily on condition, margins, and cancellations. Even cut-to-shape examples or those with minor faults command significant prices.
Catalogs. Basel 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 Basel stamps
Basel stamps refer to the single, iconic stamp issue from the Swiss Canton of Basel, known as the 'Basel Dove,' issued in 1845. It was one of the earliest stamps in Switzerland, preceding the unified Swiss postal system.
Yes, Basel stamps, specifically the 'Basel Dove,' are extremely valuable. It is considered one of the rarest and most sought-after classic stamps in the world, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand Swiss Francs, depending on condition and provenance.
Basel stamps are easily identified by their unique three-color design featuring a white dove carrying a letter, with the denomination '2½ Rp.' at the bottom. Due to its rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Basel stamps are listed in all major stamp catalogs, including Scott (Switzerland, Basel), Michel (Schweiz, Basel), and Stanley Gibbons (Switzerland, Basel). These catalogs provide detailed information on the stamp, its varieties, and estimated values.
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Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.