Gilbert and Ellice Islands Stamps
The Gilbert and Ellice Islands were a British Crown Colony located in the central Pacific Ocean, comprising two distinct island groups in Micronesia and Polynesia, respectively. Postal services were administered under the British colonial system, with stamps initially featuring the effigy of the reigning monarch and often denominated in British currency before decimalization.
- Issued stamps
- 1911–1975
- Region
- Oceania, Micronesia and Polynesia
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
Issues typically bore the English name of the territory, reflecting the official language of the administration. This entity ceased to exist in 1976 when the islands separated into the independent nation of Tuvalu (formerly Ellice Islands) and the Republic of Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands), leading to distinct subsequent postal issues for each successor state.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'Gilbert & Ellice Islands' or 'Gilbert and Ellice Islands' on the stamp.
- Early issues feature the effigy of the reigning British monarch (George V, George VI, Elizabeth II).
- Denominations are typically in British currency (pence, shillings, pounds) before 1969, then in cents and dollars.
- Check for watermarks, especially on earlier issues, as they can significantly affect value.
Popular series
-
King George V Issues
1911-1936
Early definitive issues featuring the effigy of King George V, often overprinted or with various watermarks.
-
King George VI Issues
1938-1952
Definitive series depicting King George VI, including pictorials illustrating local scenes and industries.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Pictorials
1956-1975
Colorful definitive sets featuring Queen Elizabeth II and diverse local flora, fauna, and cultural elements.
-
Decimal Currency Issues
1969-1975
Stamps issued after the adoption of decimal currency, often re-denominating earlier designs or introducing new pictorials.
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
- £0.50–£5
- Scarce stamps
- £50–£500+
Common issues are generally affordable. Rarer items include early definitives with specific watermarks or shades, errors, and high-value stamps in pristine condition. Early King George V issues, especially those with overprints or specific printings, can command higher prices. Complete sets in fine used or mint condition are more desirable.
Catalogs. Gilbert and Ellice Islands 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 Gilbert and Ellice Islands stamps
Gilbert and Ellice Islands stamps were issued by the British Crown Colony of the same name, located in the central Pacific Ocean, from 1911 until its dissolution in 1976. These stamps served the postal needs of the islands and featured British monarchs and local imagery.
The value of Gilbert and Ellice Islands stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from £0.50 to £5. However, certain early definitive issues, stamps with specific watermarks or overprints, errors, and high-value denominations in excellent condition can be quite valuable, fetching £50 to over £500.
You can identify Gilbert and Ellice Islands stamps by looking for the explicit inscription 'Gilbert & Ellice Islands' or 'Gilbert and Ellice Islands'. They often feature portraits of British monarchs (King George V, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II) and later, local scenes. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Gilbert and Ellice Islands stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated market values.
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