Hupeh Stamps
Hupeh, now known as Hubei Province, is situated in Central China, historically forming part of the Yangtze River basin. As a province of the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the development of the Imperial Chinese Post, which later transitioned under the Republic.
- Issued stamps
- 1949–1949
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Chinese, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- China
About Hupeh stamps
Stamps issued for this region primarily feature Chinese characters, often alongside English or French inscriptions during treaty port periods or early Republican administration. The administrative changes following the Xinhai Revolution significantly impacted the continuity of local postal services and stamp overprints.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Hupeh stamps
- Look for Chinese characters identifying 'Hupeh' or 'Hubei' as an overprint on national stamps of the Republic of China.
- Examine the specific surcharge value and the underlying stamp design to match it with catalog listings.
- Pay close attention to the typography and alignment of the overprint, as this can help distinguish genuine issues from forgeries.
Popular series
-
Local Surcharges on National Issues
1949
Stamps of the Republic of China overprinted with local surcharges for use in Hupeh during the transitional period of the Chinese Civil War.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1,000+
The value of Hupeh stamps, particularly the 1949 local surcharges, varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the underlying national issue. Unused stamps generally command higher prices than used ones. Forgeries of these surcharges are known, so expertization is crucial for high-value items.
Catalogs. Hupeh 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 Hupeh stamps
Hupeh stamps refer to postal issues used in the Hupeh (now Hubei) Province of China. Specifically, the most recognized philatelic issues are the local surcharges applied in 1949 on national stamps of the Republic of China, reflecting the administrative and postal changes during the Chinese Civil War.
Yes, some Hupeh stamps can be quite valuable, especially the 1949 local surcharges. Their value depends heavily on the specific overprint, the condition of the stamp, and the rarity of the base stamp. Rarer varieties and well-preserved examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Hupeh stamps are primarily identified by overprints, usually in Chinese characters, indicating local use or surcharge values, applied to existing national stamps of China. You'll need to carefully examine the overprint and the underlying stamp design. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Hupeh stamps, particularly the 1949 local surcharges, are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically within the China section under 'Local Issues' or 'Provisional Issues'.
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