China Foreign Post Stamps
China Foreign Post refers to the postal services operated by foreign powers within Chinese territory, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These administrations, including those of Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, and others, issued their own stamps denominated in local currency or treaty port currency, often overprinted on their home country's issues.
- Issued stamps
- 1865–1922
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Languages
- English, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Italian, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
About China Foreign Post stamps
This complex postal geography reflects the unequal treaties imposed on China, leading to a fragmented postal landscape until the consolidation of the Chinese Imperial Post. Stamps from these offices typically feature the issuing foreign power's name and language, alongside Chinese characters in some instances.
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.
- GREAT BRITAIN
- FRANCE
- DEUTSCHES REICH
- RUSSIA
- JAPAN
- CHINA
How to identify China Foreign Post stamps
- Look for the name of the foreign power (e.g., 'GREAT BRITAIN', 'FRANCE', 'DEUTSCHES REICH', 'RUSSIA', 'JAPAN') on the stamp.
- Identify overprints such as 'CHINA', 'CHINE', 'SHANGHAI', 'TIENTSIN', or specific Chinese characters.
- Note the currency denomination, which might be in the foreign power's currency or local Chinese currency (e.g., cents, dollars, or taels for some issues).
- Examine the design for typical motifs of the parent country's stamps.
Popular series
-
British Offices in China
1865-1922
Stamps of Great Britain overprinted 'CHINA' or with specific treaty port names, used in British postal agencies.
-
French Offices in China
1894-1922
Stamps of France overprinted 'CHINE' or 'INDO-CHINE' for use in French post offices in China.
-
German Offices in China
1886-1917
Stamps of Germany overprinted 'CHINA' or with specific denominations for use in German post offices.
-
Japanese Post Offices in China
1900-1922
Stamps of Japan overprinted with Chinese characters or specific values for use in Japanese post offices.
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
- $500–$50,000+
The value of China Foreign Post stamps varies significantly based on the issuing foreign power, specific overprint, condition, and rarity. Early issues and rare overprints, especially those from smaller or short-lived offices, can command very high prices. Complete sets or covers are also highly sought after.
Catalogs. China Foreign Post 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 China Foreign Post stamps
China Foreign Post stamps refer to postage stamps issued by various foreign powers (such as Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, and others) for use in their own postal agencies established within Chinese territory during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These offices operated due to unequal treaties imposed on China.
Yes, many China Foreign Post stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprints, early issues, and stamps in fine condition or on cover. The value depends heavily on the specific foreign power, the rarity of the overprint or issue, and the stamp's condition. Common issues may be affordable, while rare examples can fetch thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
To identify China Foreign Post stamps, look for the name of the foreign country (e.g., 'Great Britain', 'France', 'Germany') on the stamp, often accompanied by an overprint indicating 'China' or a specific treaty port. The currency denomination can also be a clue. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
China Foreign Post stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic references. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (usually under the respective foreign country's listings or a dedicated 'Offices in China' section), the Michel Catalogue (especially for German and other European offices), and the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue (particularly for British offices and other Commonwealth issues).
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