Ceylon Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Ceylon Stamps
Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, is an island nation situated in South Asia, strategically located in the Indian Ocean. Its postal history is deeply rooted in its status as a British Crown Colony, leading to early issues under the general administration of the British postal system. Stamps from this era predominantly feature English, though later issues incorporated Sinhala and Tamil to reflect the island's diverse linguistic landscape. The transition to self-governance and subsequent independence in 1948 marked a significant shift in postal autonomy, leading to the issuance of definitive series under the name of Ceylon.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1857 – 1972
- Languages:
- English, Sinhala, Tamil
- Currency:
- LKR
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
Ceylon stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Ceylon Stamp Series
Queen Victoria Issues (1857-1900)
Early issues featuring Queen Victoria, including the iconic 'Pence' and 'Cents' issues, often with watermarks and perforations variations.
King Edward VII and George V Issues (1903-1936)
Definitive series depicting the reigning monarchs, often with pictorial designs reflecting local scenes and industries.
Pictorial Issues (1938-1949)
A popular series featuring diverse scenes of Ceylon's culture, landscapes, and wildlife, marking a shift towards more indigenous designs.
Ceylon Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common Ceylon stamps are readily available and affordable. Rarer issues, particularly early Queen Victoria 'Pence' issues, errors, and high-value definitives in fine condition, can fetch significant prices. Condition, cancellations, and specific varieties greatly influence value.
How to Identify Ceylon Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Ceylon stamps:
- 1 Look for the country name 'CEYLON' prominently displayed on most issues.
- 2 Early issues (pre-1900) often feature portraits of Queen Victoria.
- 3 Later issues (post-1930s) frequently incorporate Sinhala and Tamil script alongside English.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ceylon stamps?
Ceylon stamps are postage stamps issued by the island nation of Ceylon, which is now known as Sri Lanka. These stamps were issued from 1857 until 1972, when the country became a republic and changed its name to Sri Lanka.
Are Ceylon stamps valuable?
The value of Ceylon stamps varies widely. Common issues can be purchased for under $10, while rare stamps, such as early Queen Victoria issues, specific errors, or high-denomination definitives in pristine condition, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance play a major role in determining value.
How can I identify Ceylon stamps?
You can identify Ceylon stamps by looking for the country name 'CEYLON' printed on the stamp. Early issues often feature British monarchs, while later issues include local scenes and multilingual text. For precise identification, including varieties and watermarks, using a philatelic catalog or a stamp identifier app on your iPhone can be very helpful.
Which catalogs list Ceylon stamps?
Ceylon stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issue dates, designs, varieties, and estimated values for collectors.
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