Indian Police Forces Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Indian Police Forces Official Stamps Stamps
The Indian Police Forces, while not a sovereign nation, represent the law enforcement entities within the Republic of India, a vast South Asian country. Their postal history is intrinsically linked to the British Raj and the subsequent independent Indian postal administration, which typically features English alongside Hindi and other regional languages. Stamps issued for official use by these forces often reflect their administrative role within the Indian federal structure, sometimes featuring specific commemorative issues related to police services or national events. The transition from colonial administration to an independent nation significantly shaped the iconography and official language use on these postal materials.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- None – present
- Languages:
- English, Hindi, Regional Indian Languages
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- India
Stamp Catalogs
Indian Police Forces Official Stamps stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Indian Police Forces Official Stamps Stamp Series
Service Stamps (Official) (Post-1947)
Stamps overprinted with 'SERVICE' or 'O.H.M.S.' (On His Majesty's Service, during British Raj) for official use by government departments, including police.
Commemorative Issues for Police (Various)
Occasional commemorative stamps issued by India Post celebrating police services, milestones, or national security events.
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Indian Police Forces Official Stamps Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Official stamps for Indian Police Forces are generally collected as part of Indian philately. Common service overprints are inexpensive, while specific departmental issues or rare errors can command higher prices. Commemorative issues related to police are valued similarly to other Indian commemoratives of their era.
How to Identify Indian Police Forces Official Stamps Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Indian Police Forces Official Stamps stamps:
- 1 Look for 'SERVICE' or 'O.H.M.S.' overprints on regular Indian or British Indian stamps.
- 2 Identify stamps depicting police personnel, emblems, or related themes issued by India Post.
- 3 Check for specific departmental markings, though these are less common on general postal issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Indian Police Forces stamps?
Indian Police Forces stamps refer to postal issues used by or commemorating the various law enforcement agencies within India. These are primarily official stamps (service stamps) overprinted for government use, or commemorative stamps issued by India Post that honor police services.
Are Indian Police Forces stamps valuable?
The value of Indian Police Forces stamps varies. Common service overprints are generally affordable, ranging from $0.50 to $5. Rarer varieties, errors, or specific departmental issues can be more valuable, potentially reaching $20 to $100 or more. Commemorative issues are valued based on their rarity and condition within the broader Indian philatelic market.
How can I identify Indian Police Forces stamps?
To identify Indian Police Forces stamps, look for 'SERVICE' or 'O.H.M.S.' (On His Majesty's Service) overprints on stamps of British India or independent India. Also, identify stamps issued by India Post that feature police-related themes, emblems, or personnel. A stamp identifier app can help you quickly scan and identify these stamps and provide more details.
Which catalogs list Indian Police Forces stamps?
Stamps used by the Indian Police Forces are generally listed within major catalogs for India and British India, such as Stanley Gibbons, Scott, and Michel, under their respective 'Official' or 'Service' stamp sections. Specific commemorative issues are found within the main listings for Indian stamps.
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