Georgetown (British Guiana) Stamps
Georgetown is the capital city of Guyana, located on the northern coast of South America. While not a sovereign stamp-issuing entity, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the British colony of British Guiana, which issued stamps from the mid-19th century until independence in 1966.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- British Guiana
History and background
Stamps from this period predominantly feature English inscriptions and British colonial iconography. Following independence, the postal service transitioned under the administration of the Republic of Guyana.
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.
- GEORGETOWN
How to identify them
- Look for 'GEORGETOWN' overprints on British Guiana stamps, often accompanied by a new manuscript or handstamped value.
- Examine early British Guiana stamps for clear 'GEORGETOWN' town cancellations or postmarks.
- Note the distinctive designs of early British Guiana issues, such as the 'Cotton Reels' (circular or octagonal) and 'Ship Types' (featuring a sailing vessel).
Popular series
-
Cotton Reel Stamps
1850-1851
Although predating the 1861 overprints, the 'Cotton Reel' stamps of British Guiana are foundational to its postal history and often associated with its main city, Georgetown, where they were issued. These provisional issues are among the world's most famous and valuable stamps.
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Georgetown Provisional Overprints
1861
These are the specific issues directly attributed to Georgetown. They consist of British Guiana stamps overprinted 'GEORGETOWN' and a new value, issued to meet postal needs when regular supplies were scarce. They are highly sought after by collectors.
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Ship Type Issues
1853-1860s
While not exclusively 'Georgetown' issues, the iconic 'Ship Type' stamps of British Guiana, featuring a sailing ship, were the standard postage used in Georgetown and throughout the colony during this period. Many examples bear Georgetown postmarks.
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–£100
- Scarce stamps
- £500–£10,000+
The 1861 Georgetown provisional overprints are rare and highly valuable, especially in good condition. Early British Guiana stamps, particularly the 'Cotton Reels' and 'Ship Types' with clear Georgetown cancellations, also command significant prices. Common, later British Guiana stamps are more affordable.
Catalogs. Georgetown (British Guiana) 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 Georgetown (British Guiana) stamps
Georgetown stamps refer primarily to the provisional issues of British Guiana from 1861, which were overprinted 'GEORGETOWN' and a new value. These were local issues created in the capital city to address a shortage of regular postage stamps. The term can also broadly refer to early British Guiana stamps used and cancelled in Georgetown.
Yes, Georgetown provisional overprints from 1861 are considered rare and highly valuable, often fetching hundreds to thousands of pounds or dollars, depending on condition and specific variety. Early British Guiana stamps with clear Georgetown postmarks are also desirable. The most famous stamp associated with Georgetown, the British Guiana 1c Magenta, is one of the world's most valuable stamps.
To identify Georgetown stamps, look for the 'GEORGETOWN' overprint on British Guiana stamps, typically from 1861. Also, check early British Guiana issues for postmarks or cancellations that clearly read 'GEORGETOWN'. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Georgetown provisional issues and early British Guiana stamps are extensively listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including varieties, issue dates, and estimated values for collectors.
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