Greenland Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Greenland Stamps
Greenland, the world's largest island, is geographically part of the North American continent but has deep historical and political ties to Europe. Administratively, it was a Danish colony until 1953, evolving into an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which heavily influenced its postal administration. Stamps issued by Greenland typically feature Danish or Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) text, reflecting its bilingual environment. Since gaining extensive self-rule, Greenland has maintained its own postal service, though closely linked to the Danish system, and issues distinctive stamps reflecting its unique Arctic culture and environment.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1938 – present
- Languages:
- Danish, Kalaallisut
- Currency:
- DKK
- Parent issuer:
- Denmark
Stamp Catalogs
Greenland stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Greenland Stamp Series
Polar Bear Issues (1945-present)
Iconic series featuring the Greenlandic polar bear, a symbol of the Arctic wilderness, often depicted in various poses and environments.
Traditional Costumes (1970s-1990s)
Stamps showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Greenland through its diverse and colorful traditional Inuit costumes.
Arctic Wildlife and Nature (1960s-present)
A recurring theme highlighting the unique flora and fauna of Greenland, including whales, seals, birds, and the stunning Arctic landscapes.
Greenland Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues, especially those from the WWII period or with specific overprints, can be quite valuable. Mint condition and complete sets generally command higher prices. Later commemorative issues are often readily available at modest prices.
How to Identify Greenland Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Greenland stamps:
- 1 Look for 'GRØNLAND' or 'KALAALLIT NUNAAT' as the country name. Early issues may only have 'GRØNLAND'.
- 2 Stamps often feature imagery related to Arctic life, Inuit culture, polar animals, or Danish royal figures.
- 3 Denominations are typically in Danish Krone (øre and kr.).
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Greenland stamps?
Greenland stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal administration of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. They reflect Greenland's unique Arctic culture, history, and environment, often featuring Danish or Greenlandic text.
Are Greenland stamps valuable?
The value of Greenland stamps varies significantly. While many modern commemorative issues are relatively inexpensive, early issues, particularly those from the 1930s and 1940s, and certain errors or varieties, can be quite valuable, ranging from €50 to over €500 for rare examples.
How can I identify Greenland stamps?
You can identify Greenland stamps by looking for the country name 'GRØNLAND' or 'KALAALLIT NUNAAT'. They often depict Arctic wildlife, Inuit culture, or Danish royal symbols. For precise identification and valuation, consider using a stamp identifier app that can scan and recognize stamps from Greenland and other issuers.
Which catalogs list Greenland stamps?
Greenland stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (USA), Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (UK). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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