Indochinese Post Canton Stamps
The Indochinese Post Canton was a specialized postal administration operating within French Indochina, situated in Southeast Asia. This entity managed postal services primarily for French citizens and interests in the region, operating under the authority of the French colonial government until the mid-20th century.
- Issued stamps
- 1901–1919
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Vietnamese, Khmer, Lao
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
Stamps issued by this administration predominantly feature French text, often alongside Vietnamese, Khmer, or Lao script, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the territories it served. Its existence marks a distinct period of French colonial postal organization before the eventual dissolution of French Indochina and the establishment of independent national postal systems.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- CANTON
How to identify them
- Look for the overprint 'CANTON' on stamps originally issued for French Indochina.
- Examine the base stamp design, which will typically feature French colonial motifs or portraits.
- Check for French text, often alongside local scripts (Vietnamese, Khmer, Lao) on the base stamp.
Popular series
-
General Issues
1901-1919
Stamps of French Indochina overprinted 'CANTON' for use in the French Post Office in Canton, China.
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Surcharged Issues
1901-1903
Stamps with surcharges in local currency (e.g., '10 C. on 15 C.') for postal rate adjustments.
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+
Value depends heavily on condition, specific overprint varieties, and whether the stamp is used or unused. Early issues and errors can be quite valuable.
Catalogs. Indochinese Post Canton 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 Indochinese Post Canton stamps
Indochinese Post Canton stamps were special postal issues used in the French Post Office in Canton (Guangzhou), China, during the early 20th century. These were typically stamps of French Indochina overprinted with 'CANTON' to signify their specific usage in this French colonial outpost within China.
The value of Indochinese Post Canton stamps varies significantly. Common issues in good condition can range from €5 to €50, while rarer varieties, such as specific overprint errors, early issues, or high denominations, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Condition, rarity, and demand from collectors of French colonial or China foreign post offices are key factors.
To identify Indochinese Post Canton stamps, look for the distinctive 'CANTON' overprint on stamps that are clearly from French Indochina. These base stamps often feature French colonial designs and text. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Indochinese Post Canton stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. They are typically found within the sections for French colonial issues or sometimes under China's foreign post offices, often as a sub-listing of French Indochina.
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