Indochinese Post China Stamps
The Indochinese Post China refers to the postal administration established in treaty ports within China under the authority of French Indochina. This entity operated primarily in southern and eastern China, particularly in areas under French influence like Shanghai and Guangzhou, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Issued stamps
- 1902–1905
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- French Indochina
History and background
Stamps issued by this administration typically bore French or French Indochinese denominations and often featured bilingual inscriptions reflecting the colonial and treaty-port context. The service ceased following the withdrawal of French influence and the subsequent political reorganization of China in the mid-20th century.
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.
- CHINE
How to identify them
- Look for 'CHINE' overprints on stamps of French Indochina.
- Examine the base stamp design, which will typically be French colonial issues (e.g., 'Commerce and Navigation' type or 'Cochinchine' type).
- Check for bilingual inscriptions, often with French denominations and Chinese characters for the value or 'China'.
Popular series
-
Indochinese Post China Overprints
1902-1905
Stamps of French Indochina overprinted with 'CHINE' (China) and a new value in Chinese currency, or sometimes French currency, for use in French post offices in Chinese treaty ports.
-
Cochinchine Type Surcharges
1902-1903
Stamps of French Indochina (Cochinchine type) surcharged for use in China, often with values in centimes or francs.
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+
Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, surcharge, condition, and rarity of the base stamp. Stamps with clear, well-centered overprints are more desirable. Errors or varieties can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Indochinese Post China 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 China stamps
Indochinese Post China stamps were issues of French Indochina, often overprinted or surcharged, used in French post offices established in treaty ports within China during the early 20th century. These stamps facilitated postal services for French nationals and trade in areas under French influence.
Yes, many Indochinese Post China stamps can be quite valuable, especially those with rare overprints, specific surcharges, or in pristine condition. Common examples might fetch €5-€50, while rare varieties or errors can easily exceed €100-€1,000. Their historical context and limited usage period contribute to their philatelic interest.
To identify Indochinese Post China stamps, look for the 'CHINE' overprint on stamps originally issued for French Indochina. Pay attention to the base stamp design, denominations (often in French francs/centimes or Chinese currency), and any additional surcharges. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Indochinese Post China stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values, under sections dedicated to French Post Offices in China or French Indochina.
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