Guam Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Guam Stamps
Guam is a significant island territory located in Micronesia within Oceania. Its postal history is deeply intertwined with its status as a former Spanish colony, followed by acquisition by the United States in 1898, leading to administration under the U.S. Post Office Department. Stamps issued for Guam primarily feature English text, reflecting its status as an unincorporated territory of the United States, though early issues sometimes bore Spanish inscriptions. The island's postal system transitioned through various administrative phases, eventually aligning fully with the United States Postal Service structure.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Oceania
- Subregion:
- Micronesia
- Issuing period:
- 1899 – 1930
- Languages:
- English, Spanish
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Guam stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Guam Stamp Series
Overprinted U.S. Stamps (1899)
The first stamps for Guam were regular U.S. postage stamps overprinted 'GUAM' in various styles, reflecting the immediate postal needs after U.S. acquisition.
U.S. Possessions Issues (1901-1930)
Later issues were U.S. stamps overprinted 'GUAM' or 'GUAM, P.I.' (Philippine Islands, as Guam was administered through the Philippines Post Office for a period), often with new denominations.
issuer:guam.series.items.2.name (issuer:guam.series.items.2.period)
issuer:guam.series.items.2.description
Guam Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Guam stamps varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the underlying U.S. stamp. Early overprints, especially those with errors or rare varieties, command higher prices. Mint condition stamps are generally more valuable than used.
How to Identify Guam Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Guam stamps:
- 1 Look for the 'GUAM' overprint on U.S. postage stamps, often in black ink.
- 2 Pay attention to the style and font of the overprint, as there were several varieties.
- 3 Check for the underlying U.S. stamp design and denomination to help identify the specific issue.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Guam stamps?
Guam stamps are postage stamps issued for the U.S. territory of Guam, primarily consisting of regular United States postage stamps overprinted with 'GUAM' or 'GUAM, P.I.' between 1899 and 1930. These issues reflect Guam's postal history under U.S. administration.
Are Guam stamps valuable?
The value of Guam stamps can range from a few dollars for common issues to several thousand dollars for rare varieties, errors, or high-quality examples of early overprints. Factors like the specific overprint, condition, and the base U.S. stamp significantly influence their worth.
How can I identify Guam stamps?
To identify Guam stamps, look for the distinctive 'GUAM' or 'GUAM, P.I.' overprint on U.S. stamps. Pay close attention to the details of the overprint, including its font, color, and position. For precise identification and valuation, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting specialized philatelic catalogs.
Which catalogs list Guam stamps?
Guam stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott (which is particularly comprehensive for U.S. and U.S. Possessions issues), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values.
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