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.
- Issued stamps
- 1906–1944
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Vietnamese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- French Indochina
History and background
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for the overprint 'Kouang-Tcheou' or 'Kouang-Tchéou' (and sometimes 'Kouang-Tcheou Wan') on stamps originally issued for French Indochina.
- Examine the underlying stamp design, which will typically be French colonial issues featuring allegorical figures, local scenes, or portraits.
- Pay attention to the specific font and placement of the overprint, as varieties exist and can impact value.
Popular 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.
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
- $1–$20
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1,000+
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.
Catalogs. Indochinese Post Kouang Tcheou Wan 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 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.
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.
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. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
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).
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.