Japanese Occupation in Central China Stamps
Japanese Occupation in Central China refers to the postal administration established by the Empire of Japan across occupied territories of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. This region, spanning key areas of East Asia, saw the issuance of provisional stamps, often overprinted on existing Chinese issues or featuring Japanese designs, to facilitate mail service under military control.
- Issued stamps
- 1941–1945
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Japanese, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Japan
History and background
These issues primarily utilized Japanese script and denominations, reflecting the imposition of Japanese authority over local postal infrastructure. The stamps serve as tangible evidence of the complex and transitional political landscape of wartime China.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for Japanese characters (Kanji) overprinted on Chinese stamps or as part of the stamp's design.
- Check for denominations in Chinese currency (e.g., 'fen', 'yuan') but issued under Japanese authority.
- Many issues feature a distinctive 'chop' or overprint indicating the occupation.
Popular series
-
Provisional Issues on Chinese Stamps
1941-1945
Chinese stamps overprinted with Japanese characters and new denominations for use in occupied territories.
-
Definitive Issues with Japanese Designs
1942-1945
Stamps featuring Japanese designs, often depicting pagodas, temples, or local scenery, with Japanese script.
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+
Value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, base stamp, condition, and rarity of the issue. Errors and varieties can command higher prices. Complete sets are generally more valuable.
Catalogs. Japanese Occupation in Central 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 Japanese Occupation in Central China stamps
Japanese Occupation in Central China stamps are postal issues released by the Empire of Japan for use in the Chinese territories it occupied during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). These stamps were essential for maintaining postal services under military control and often involved overprinting existing Chinese stamps or issuing new designs with Japanese characteristics.
The value of Japanese Occupation in Central China stamps can range from a few dollars for common issues to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for rare varieties, errors, or complete sets in fine condition. Factors like the specific overprint, the base stamp, and historical significance greatly influence their market price.
To identify Japanese Occupation in Central China stamps, look for overprints in Japanese script on Chinese stamps, or stamps with designs and inscriptions clearly indicating Japanese origin and denominations. Pay attention to the specific region and dates of issue. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Japanese Occupation in Central China stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, overprints, and estimated values, making them indispensable resources for collectors.
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