Burma Stamps
Burma, officially Myanmar, is situated in Southeast Asia, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. Its postal history is rooted in the British colonial era, leading to issues under the British Raj until independence in 1948, followed by periods of significant political upheaval and isolation.
- Issued stamps
- 1937–1989
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- MMK
- Languages
- Burmese, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Burma stamps
Stamps predominantly feature Burmese script alongside English, reflecting its official languages. The country's transition from the Union of Burma to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar marks significant shifts in the administrative and thematic content of its philatelic output.
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.
- BURMA
- UNION OF BURMA
How to identify Burma stamps
- Look for 'BURMA' or 'UNION OF BURMA' inscriptions, often alongside Burmese script.
- Early issues (1937-1947) feature portraits of King George VI.
- Post-independence stamps (from 1948) display nationalistic themes, local scenes, and portraits of Burmese leaders.
Popular series
-
King George VI Issues
1937-1947
The first definitive stamps issued specifically for Burma, featuring King George VI, following its separation from British India.
-
Independence Issues
1948-1950s
Stamps commemorating Burma's independence, often featuring national symbols, leaders, and cultural themes.
-
Union of Burma Definitives
1953-1960s
A long-running series depicting various aspects of Burmese life, industry, and landscapes, reflecting the newly independent nation's identity.
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
- $0.10–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common stamps from Burma are generally inexpensive. Early issues, particularly those from the British colonial period and early independence, can fetch higher prices, especially in mint condition or with rare cancellations. Errors, varieties, and specific commemorative sets are also sought after.
Catalogs. Burma 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 Burma stamps
Burma stamps are postage stamps issued by the country of Burma (now Myanmar) from its separation from British India in 1937 until its transition to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They reflect the nation's colonial past, independence, and subsequent political changes.
The value of Burma stamps varies widely. Many common issues are inexpensive, costing less than a dollar. However, early colonial issues, first independence stamps, certain commemorative sets, and stamps with errors or varieties can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars, especially in fine condition.
You can identify Burma stamps by looking for the country name 'BURMA' or 'UNION OF BURMA' in English, often accompanied by Burmese script. Early issues feature British monarchs, while later stamps depict national symbols, leaders, and local scenes. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Burma stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated market values.
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