Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan Stamps
Kouang Tcheou Wan, or the Bay of Jaochow, was a small leased territory on the southern coast of China, administered by France as part of French Indochina. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the French colonial administration, utilizing stamps valid within the broader Indochinese postal system, often overprinted for local use. The stamps primarily feature French and Vietnamese inscriptions, reflecting the linguistic environment of the French colonial presence in Southeast Asia. This territory ceased to be a separate postal entity following its retrocession to China in 1946.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1906 – 1944
- Languages:
- French, Vietnamese
- Currency:
- FRF
- Parent issuer:
- French Indochina
Stamp Catalogs
Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan Stamp Series
General Issues with 'Kouang-Tcheou' Overprint (1906-1922)
Stamps of French Indochina overprinted 'Kouang-Tcheou' or 'Kouang-Tchéou' for local use, featuring various designs including allegorical figures and colonial scenes.
Pictorial Series (1922-1941)
Definitive issues depicting local scenes, portraits, and colonial architecture, often overprinted 'Kouang-Tchéou' or 'Kouang-Tcheou Wan'.
Surcharged Issues (1928-1941)
Stamps with new values surcharged, reflecting changes in postal rates, typically on existing pictorial or allegorical designs.
Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available and affordable. Rarer issues, especially those with specific overprint varieties, errors, or in pristine condition (mint never hinged), can command significant prices. Early issues and complete sets tend to be more valuable.
How to Identify Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps:
- 1 Look for the overprint 'Kouang-Tcheou' or 'Kouang-Tchéou' (and sometimes 'Kouang-Tcheou Wan') on stamps originally issued for French Indochina.
- 2 Examine the underlying stamp design, which will typically be French colonial issues featuring allegorical figures, local scenes, or portraits.
- 3 Pay attention to the specific font and placement of the overprint, as varieties exist and can impact value.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps?
Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps are postage stamps issued for the French leased territory of Kouang Tcheou Wan (Guangzhouwan) on the southern coast of China. These were primarily stamps of French Indochina overprinted with 'Kouang-Tcheou' or similar inscriptions for local use between 1906 and 1944.
Are Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps valuable?
The value of Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few dollars, while rarer stamps, especially those with specific overprint varieties, errors, or in mint condition, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance play a major role in their philatelic value.
How can I identify Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps?
To identify Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps, look for the distinctive 'Kouang-Tcheou' or 'Kouang-Tchéou' overprint on stamps that are clearly French colonial in design. Many stamps feature French and Vietnamese inscriptions. Using a stamp identifier app can help quickly cross-reference designs and overprints with known issues.
Which catalogs list Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps?
Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan stamps are well-documented in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel catalog (specifically for French Colonies), and the Stanley Gibbons catalog (under French Colonies or Indochina).
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