China Provinces Stamps
China Provinces refers to the vast territory of mainland China, situated in East Asia, which experienced a complex postal history marked by the fragmentation of central authority during the late Qing Dynasty and Republican eras. Stamp issues from this period often reflect regional variations and the influence of various warlord regimes or provincial governments before the consolidation under the People's Republic of China.
- Issued stamps
- 1894–1949
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Chinese
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- China
About China Provinces stamps
The primary language appearing on these stamps is Chinese, usually in traditional characters, though some regional issues might incorporate local dialects or scripts. The transition from the imperial system to a unified national postal service, and subsequent periods of civil war, resulted in a diverse and historically significant array of provincial postal materials.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify China Provinces stamps
- Look for Chinese characters, often in traditional script, indicating the province or postal administration.
- Many provincial issues are overprints or surcharges on existing imperial or republican stamps.
- Pay attention to the specific characters and designs of the overprints, as these often denote the issuing province or purpose.
- Examine watermarks and paper types, which can vary significantly between issues and provinces.
Popular series
-
Red Revenue Surcharges
1897
Provisional stamps created by surcharging existing revenue stamps, some of the most famous and valuable Chinese stamps.
-
Foochow Provisional Issue
1895
Early provincial issue from Foochow (Fuzhou) due to a shortage of imperial stamps, featuring local overprints.
-
Kwangtung Provisional Issue
1909
Stamps issued by the Kwangtung (Guangdong) province, often featuring overprints on imperial stamps.
-
Yunnan Provisional Issue
1926-1929
Stamps issued by the Yunnan province during the Warlord Era, reflecting regional autonomy.
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
- $1,000–$1,000,000+
The value of China Provinces stamps varies wildly. Common issues, especially those from later periods, can be inexpensive. However, early provisional issues, rare surcharges (like the 'Small One Dollar' Red Revenue), and stamps with specific overprints or errors can command extremely high prices, often reaching six or even seven figures at auction. Condition, rarity, and historical significance are paramount.
Catalogs. China Provinces 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 Provinces stamps
China Provinces stamps refer to postage stamps issued by various regional postal administrations, warlord regimes, or provincial governments within mainland China during periods of fragmented central authority, primarily from the late Qing Dynasty through the Republican era (roughly 1894-1949). These issues reflect the complex political landscape of the time.
Yes, many China Provinces stamps are highly valuable, especially early provisional issues, rare surcharges (like the famous Red Revenue stamps), and those with specific errors or limited print runs. While common issues can be affordable, rare examples are among the most sought-after and expensive stamps in philately, often fetching thousands to millions of dollars at auction.
To identify China Provinces stamps, look for Chinese characters indicating the specific province or regional postal authority, often as overprints on existing stamps. Pay close attention to the design of these overprints and any unique local characteristics. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
China Provinces stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic references. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (especially Volume 2), the Michel China Catalogue, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (though some provincial issues might be in their China-specific volumes). Specialized Chinese philatelic catalogs also provide detailed listings.
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