Japanese Post China Stamps
Japanese Post China refers to the postal services operated by the Empire of Japan within territories it controlled or administered in mainland East Asia, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These issues are geographically situated in China but fall under Japanese postal administration, often reflecting imperial expansion and treaty port arrangements.
- Issued stamps
- 1900–1914
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- JPY
- Languages
- Japanese, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Japan
History and background
Stamps from this entity predominantly feature Japanese characters (Kanji and Kana) alongside Chinese characters, sometimes including denominations in Yen or local currency equivalents. The postal history is intrinsically linked to Japan's involvement in the Sino-Japanese War and subsequent occupation periods, leading to distinct issues for specific occupied zones like Manchuria or the establishment of Japanese post offices in treaty ports.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for Japanese stamps (often Dragon, Koban, or Cherry Blossom designs) with distinct Chinese character overprints.
- Denominations are typically in Japanese Yen (sen/yen) but may also show Chinese currency equivalents or be overprinted with new values.
- Postmarks will often indicate specific Japanese post offices in Chinese cities (e.g., Shanghai, Tientsin, Hankow).
Popular series
-
Dragon Series Overprints
c. 1900-1908
Japanese Dragon series stamps overprinted with Chinese characters for 'China' and new denominations for use in Chinese post offices.
-
Cherry Blossom Series Overprints
c. 1908-1914
Japanese Cherry Blossom series stamps similarly overprinted for use in Japanese post offices in China.
-
Koban Series Overprints
c. 1900-1908
Japanese Koban series stamps overprinted with Chinese characters and new denominations.
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
- $500–$5,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific Japanese base stamp, the overprint type, condition, and rarity of the denomination/postmark combination. Early issues and errors are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. Japanese Post 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 Post China stamps
Japanese Post China stamps are Japanese postage stamps that were overprinted with Chinese characters and/or new denominations for use in Japanese post offices established in various Chinese cities and territories during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These offices operated under Japanese postal administration.
Many Japanese Post China stamps are highly collectible and can be quite valuable, especially early issues, specific overprint varieties, and stamps with rare postmarks or errors. Common examples might be worth $5-$50, while rare items can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
To identify Japanese Post China stamps, look for standard Japanese stamp designs (like the Dragon, Koban, or Cherry Blossom series) that bear additional overprints in Chinese characters, often indicating 'China' or a new value. Examining the postmark for Japanese post office locations in China is also key. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Japanese Post China stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, overprints, and estimated values.
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