Chungking Stamps
Chungking, officially Chongqing, is a major municipality located in Southwest China, situated on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, it served as the provisional capital of the Republic of China, a period reflected in stamps issued under the Nationalist government.
- Issued stamps
- 1893–1894
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Chinese, English, French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- China
About Chungking stamps
Postal issues from this era predominantly feature Chinese characters, often alongside English or French, reflecting international engagement during wartime. The administration of Chungking transitioned from a provincial capital to a direct-controlled municipality under the People's Republic of China, impacting subsequent stamp series.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Chungking stamps
- Look for 'Chungking' or Chinese characters indicating 'Chongqing' or 'Chungking Post'.
- Early issues often feature designs common to Imperial Chinese stamps but with specific overprints or local indications.
- Wartime issues may have overprints in Chinese characters on existing Republic of China stamps.
Popular series
-
Customs Post Issues
1893-1894
Stamps issued by the Imperial Chinese Customs Post for local use in Chungking, often featuring dragon designs or Chinese characters.
-
Provisional Capital Issues
1937-1945
Stamps issued during Chungking's period as the provisional capital of the Republic of China, often overprinted or featuring designs related to the war effort.
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
- $200–$5,000+
Early Customs Post issues can be quite valuable, especially in good condition or as covers. Wartime provisional issues vary widely, with some overprints being scarce. Condition and authenticity are crucial for higher values.
Catalogs. Chungking 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 Chungking stamps
Chungking stamps refer to postal issues from the city of Chungking (now Chongqing) in China. This includes early local issues by the Imperial Chinese Customs Post (1893-1894) and stamps issued or used during its period as the provisional capital of the Republic of China (1937-1945) during the Second Sino-Japanese War. These stamps often reflect the unique historical circumstances of their issuance.
The value of Chungking stamps varies significantly. Early Customs Post issues, particularly those in fine condition or on cover, can be quite valuable, ranging from $200 to over $5,000 for rare examples. Later wartime provisional issues can range from a few dollars for common types to several hundred dollars for scarce overprints or varieties. Factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance greatly influence their market price.
To identify Chungking stamps, look for clear indications of 'Chungking' in English or French, or the corresponding Chinese characters (重慶). Early issues might resemble other Imperial Chinese stamps but with specific local markings. Wartime issues are often Republic of China stamps with overprints. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Chungking stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel China specialized catalogs, and Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (for some early issues) and China specialized catalogs. These catalogs provide detailed listings, images, and estimated values for various Chungking issues.
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