Hunan Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Hunan (China) Stamps
Hunan is a landlocked province situated in South Central China, historically significant within the vast Chinese postal network. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the centralized administration of the Republic of China and later the People's Republic of China, with stamps primarily denominated in Chinese Yuan and featuring Chinese characters. While never a separate colonial entity, Hunan experienced administrative shifts during periods of warlordism and civil conflict, which occasionally led to localized surcharges or provisional issues reflecting regional instability before full integration into the national postal system. The language consistently featured on its official postal stationery is Mandarin Chinese.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1949 – 1949
- Languages:
- Mandarin Chinese
- Currency:
- CNY
- Parent issuer:
- China (Republic)
Stamp Catalogs
Hunan (China) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Hunan (China) Stamp Series
Hunan Provisional Issues (1949)
Stamps issued during the transitional period of civil conflict, often surcharged or overprinted, reflecting local administrative control before the full establishment of the People's Republic of China's postal system.
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Hunan (China) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Hunan provisional issues from 1949 varies significantly based on rarity, condition, specific surcharge, and historical significance. Stamps with clear overprints and good centering tend to fetch higher prices. Forgeries are known, so expertization is recommended for high-value items.
How to Identify Hunan (China) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Hunan (China) stamps:
- 1 Look for Chinese characters indicating 'Hunan' (湖南) or other regional identifiers.
- 2 Examine for surcharges or overprints, which are characteristic of provisional issues from this period.
- 3 Note the denomination, typically in Chinese Yuan (圓 or 元), and the design style which often reflects the contemporary national issues of China.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hunan stamps?
Hunan stamps refer to postal issues from the Hunan province in South Central China, specifically provisional or localized issues that appeared during periods of administrative transition, particularly around 1949 during the Chinese Civil War. These are distinct from the regular national issues of China, though they often share design elements.
Are Hunan stamps valuable?
The value of Hunan stamps can range from a few dollars for common provisional issues to several hundred or even thousands of dollars for rare surcharges, errors, or historically significant items. Factors like condition, specific overprint, and scarcity play a crucial role. Consult a philatelic catalog or an expert for accurate valuation.
How can I identify Hunan stamps?
Hunan stamps can be identified by their Chinese characters, often including '湖南' (Hunan), and the presence of surcharges or overprints that distinguish them from national issues. Designs typically reflect the style of contemporary Chinese stamps. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamp to known issues and provide more details.
Which catalogs list Hunan stamps?
Hunan provisional stamps are typically listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under China - Local Issues or Provisional Issues), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information including issue dates, denominations, and estimated values.
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