Chinkiang Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Chinkiang (Zhenjiang) Stamps
Chinkiang, now known as Zhenjiang, is a city located in the Jiangsu province of eastern China, situated on the southern bank of the Yangtze River. As a treaty port following the Opium Wars, its postal history is intertwined with the complex administrative periods of late Imperial China and the subsequent Republic of China era. Stamps issued for Chinkiang often reflect the broader postal system of China, featuring Chinese characters and sometimes English inscriptions related to the foreign presence in the concession areas. The city's postal administration transitioned significantly through the establishment of the Imperial Post and later the Republic's postal service, reflecting major political shifts in the region.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1894 – 1895
- Languages:
- Chinese, English
- Currency:
- CNY
- Parent issuer:
- China
Stamp Catalogs
Chinkiang (Zhenjiang) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Chinkiang (Zhenjiang) Stamp Series
Local Post Issues (1894-1895)
Stamps issued by the local postal administration before the full integration into the Imperial Chinese Post.
Overprinted Imperial Issues (1895)
Imperial Chinese stamps overprinted for local use in Chinkiang, often indicating a transitional period.
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Chinkiang (Zhenjiang) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, specific issue (e.g., local vs. overprint), and rarity of specific denominations or errors. Early local issues tend to be more valuable than later overprints.
How to Identify Chinkiang (Zhenjiang) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Chinkiang (Zhenjiang) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'CHINKIANG' or '鎮江' (Zhenjiang) inscriptions, often in conjunction with Chinese characters.
- 2 Examine for overprints on Imperial Chinese stamps, which indicate local use.
- 3 Pay attention to the design, which often features dragons, pagodas, or other traditional Chinese motifs for the underlying Imperial issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chinkiang stamps?
Chinkiang stamps refer to the local postal issues from the treaty port of Chinkiang (now Zhenjiang) in China, primarily issued between 1894 and 1895. These include stamps specifically printed for local use and Imperial Chinese stamps overprinted for Chinkiang.
Are Chinkiang stamps valuable?
Yes, some Chinkiang stamps can be quite valuable, especially the early local issues and rare varieties or errors. Common examples might fetch $5-$50, while rare stamps can command prices from $200 to over $2,000, depending on condition and specific issue.
How can I identify Chinkiang stamps?
To identify Chinkiang stamps, look for the city name 'CHINKIANG' or its Chinese characters '鎮江' on the stamp itself, or as an overprint on an Imperial Chinese stamp. Designs often reflect traditional Chinese themes. For precise identification, use a stamp identifier app or consult a specialized catalog.
Which catalogs list Chinkiang stamps?
Chinkiang stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically found under China or Chinese Local Posts sections. These catalogs provide detailed listings, images, and current market values.
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