Indochinese Post Hoi Hao Stamps
The Indochinese Post Hoi Hao refers to a specific postal administration operating within French Indochina, located in Southeast Asia. This entity was established under the colonial authority of France, utilizing the framework of the Universal Postal Union for international mail exchange during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Issued stamps
- 1901–1919
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Vietnamese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- French Indochina
History and background
Stamps from this period predominantly feature French text alongside local languages, reflecting the linguistic environment of the colonial administration. The Hoi Hao issues represent a distinct administrative phase within the broader history of the French Indochinese postal system before subsequent political realignments.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for 'Hoi Hao' or 'Hoi-Hao' overprints on stamps originally issued for French Indochina or France.
- Examine the currency denominations, which may include centimes or piasters, often with surcharges.
- Note the period of use (1901-1919) to distinguish from later or earlier Indochinese issues.
Popular series
-
General Issues (French Indochina overprints)
1901-1904
Stamps of French Indochina overprinted with 'Hoi Hao' or 'Hoi-Hao' for local use.
-
Peace and Commerce Type (Surcharged)
1904-1907
French 'Peace and Commerce' definitive stamps surcharged with new values in local currency for Hoi Hao.
-
Postage Due Stamps
1904-1907
Specific postage due stamps issued for the Hoi Hao postal administration.
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 condition, specific overprint varieties, and surcharges. Early issues and errors are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. Indochinese Post Hoi Hao 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 Hoi Hao stamps
Indochinese Post Hoi Hao stamps were issued by a specific French colonial postal administration operating in the Hoi Hao region of French Indochina between 1901 and 1919. They often feature overprints on general French Indochina or French stamps.
The value of Indochinese Post Hoi Hao stamps can range from a few euros for common examples to several hundred or even over a thousand euros for rare varieties, errors, or high-quality unused examples. Condition, specific overprint, and surcharge variations are key factors in determining value.
You can identify Indochinese Post Hoi Hao stamps by looking for the 'Hoi Hao' or 'Hoi-Hao' overprint, typically on stamps with French text and colonial designs. 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 Hoi Hao stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually under French Indochina or specific colonial issues.
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