Dhar Stamps
Dhar was a princely state located in the Malwa region of Central India, falling under the political umbrella of the British Raj. Its postal history is characterized by the issuance of its own provisional stamps, often hand-stamped or locally produced, primarily serving internal communication needs before full integration into the British Indian postal system.
- Issued stamps
- 1897–1898
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Devanagari, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Dhar stamps
The script predominantly featured on these issues would have been Devanagari, reflecting the local administrative language of the region. The state's postal autonomy ceased upon its accession to the Indian Union following independence in 1947.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Dhar stamps
- Look for hand-stamped designs, often in black or blue ink, on various paper types.
- The script predominantly featured is Devanagari, often with the name 'Dhar' or 'Dhar State'.
- Many issues are imperforate or roughly perforated, reflecting their local production.
- Examine for overprints or surcharges that might indicate specific denominations or official use.
Popular series
-
Provisional Handstamps
1897-1898
The primary issues of Dhar, consisting of hand-stamped designs on various papers, often crude and locally produced, primarily for internal use.
-
Official Stamps
1897-1898
Stamps specifically designated for official use, often identifiable by overprints or distinct designs, though still provisional in nature.
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
- $10–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1000+
Dhar stamps are generally scarce due to their provisional nature and limited usage. Common examples of the handstamped issues can fetch moderate prices, while rare varieties, errors, or covers can command significant sums. Condition is paramount for these early, often crudely produced issues.
Catalogs. Dhar 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 Dhar stamps
Dhar stamps are provisional postal issues from the former Princely State of Dhar, located in the Malwa region of Central India. These stamps were primarily hand-stamped and locally produced for internal postal communication between 1897 and 1898, before the state fully integrated into the British Indian postal system.
Yes, Dhar stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare varieties, errors, or those on original covers. Due to their provisional nature, limited production, and short period of use, many Dhar issues are scarce. Common examples might range from $10-$50, while rare items can easily exceed $1000, depending on condition and specific issue.
Dhar stamps are typically identified by their hand-stamped designs, often in Devanagari script, and sometimes with the name 'Dhar' in English. They are frequently imperforate or crudely perforated. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Dhar stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, values, and historical context for collectors.
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