Bhopal Stamps
Bhopal was a princely state located in Central India, now part of the modern nation of India. Its postal history is characterized by the issuance of its own provisional and definitive stamps prior to the state's integration into the Indian Union following independence in 1947.
- Issued stamps
- 1876–1908
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Urdu, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Bhopal stamps
Stamps from this period typically feature Urdu or English inscriptions, reflecting the administrative language of the Nawab's rule. The postal system ceased independent operation upon Bhopal's accession to India, with subsequent mail handled by the Indian postal administration.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Bhopal stamps
- Look for inscriptions in Urdu script, often alongside English text.
- Early issues are handstamped, while later definitives feature portraits of the ruling Nawabs.
- Check for watermarks (e.g., Star, Crown & 'Bhopal') on some issues.
- Pay attention to paper types, colors, and perforations, which can vary significantly.
Popular series
-
First Provisional Issues
1876-1878
Handstamped issues on various papers, often crude and featuring the state's emblem or inscriptions in Urdu.
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Definitive Issues
1889-1908
Engraved stamps depicting the portrait of Nawab Shah Jahan Begum and later Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum, with inscriptions in Urdu and English.
-
Service Stamps (Official)
1892-1908
Overprinted 'SERVICE' or 'SARKARI' on definitive issues for official use.
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
- $1–$20
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$5,000+
Early provisional issues, especially those with clear strikes and rare varieties, command significant prices. Later definitive issues are generally more affordable, but errors, proofs, and covers can be valuable. Condition is crucial for all Bhopal stamps.
Catalogs. Bhopal 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 Bhopal stamps
Bhopal stamps are postage stamps issued by the princely state of Bhopal, located in Central India, between 1876 and 1908. These stamps were used for internal postal services before the state's integration into the Indian Union.
The value of Bhopal stamps varies widely. Common definitive issues can be relatively inexpensive, often in the range of $1-$20. However, early provisional handstamped issues, rare varieties, errors, and stamps on cover can be highly valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Bhopal stamps can be identified by their inscriptions, which are typically in Urdu and sometimes also in English. Early issues are often handstamped, while later ones feature portraits of the ruling Nawabs. Consulting a specialized stamp catalog or using a stamp identification app can help confirm authenticity and specific issues.
Bhopal stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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