Indochinese Post Yunnansen Stamps
Indochinese Post Yunnansen refers to the postal administration that operated in the region of Yunnan, China, under the framework of the French-controlled postal system of French Indochina. This unique entity existed primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving French interests and expatriate communities in this southwestern Chinese province.
- Issued stamps
- 1902–1919
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- French Indochina
History and background
Stamps issued under this administration typically feature French colonial iconography alongside Chinese characters, reflecting the complex Sino-French administrative overlap. The postal service ceased operations following shifts in regional control and the eventual dissolution of French colonial postal authority in the area.
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.
- INDOCHINE
- INDO-CHINE
- YUNNAN SEN
How to identify them
- Look for 'INDOCHINE' or 'INDO-CHINE' along with 'YUNNAN SEN' overprints or inscriptions.
- Stamps typically feature French colonial designs, often with additional Chinese characters for place names or values.
- Examine the watermark (often an anchor or similar colonial motif) and perforation details.
Popular series
-
General Issues with Surcharges
1902-1908
Stamps of French Indochina overprinted with 'YUNNAN SEN' and new values in local currency.
-
Pictorial Issues
1903-1908
Definitive stamps featuring local scenes and French colonial motifs, often with bilingual inscriptions.
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 overprints, and rarity of the base stamp. Early surcharged issues and high values are generally more sought after. Covers bearing these stamps are particularly valuable.
Catalogs. Indochinese Post Yunnansen 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 Yunnansen stamps
Indochinese Post Yunnansen stamps were issued by the French colonial postal administration operating in the Yunnan province of China between 1902 and 1919. They were part of the broader French Indochina postal system, serving French interests and expatriates in the region.
Yes, many Indochinese Post Yunnansen stamps can be valuable, especially early surcharged issues, higher denominations, and stamps on cover. Common examples might range from €5-€50, while rare varieties or well-preserved items can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
To identify Indochinese Post Yunnansen stamps, look for the 'INDOCHINE' or 'INDO-CHINE' inscription, often accompanied by 'YUNNAN SEN' overprints or bilingual French/Chinese text. Key features include French colonial designs. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Indochinese Post Yunnansen stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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