Japanese WWII Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Stamps

Identification, history, popular series & stamp values

About Japanese Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (WWII) Stamps

The Japanese occupation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during World War II placed this South Asian archipelago under the administration of the Empire of Japan. These provisional issues, used between 1942 and 1945, superseded the prior British Indian postal system and featured overprints or inscriptions reflecting the new military authority. Stamp inscriptions during this brief period primarily utilized Japanese characters or English, marking a significant, albeit temporary, disruption in the islands' postal history before their reversion to British control.

Learn more: Wikipedia

Issuer Overview

Region:
Asia
Subregion:
South Asia
Issuing period:
1942 – 1945
Languages:
Japanese, English
Currency:
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Parent issuer:
Empire of Japan

Stamp Catalogs

Japanese Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (WWII) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:

Scott Catalog
Michel Catalog
Stanley Gibbons Catalog

Popular Japanese Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (WWII) Stamp Series

Overprinted Indian Stamps (1942-1945)

British Indian stamps overprinted with Japanese characters or other occupation indicators.

Provisional Issues (1942-1945)

Stamps issued by the Japanese military administration, sometimes featuring Japanese designs or inscriptions.

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Japanese Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (WWII) Stamp Value Overview

Common stamps
$10 - $50
Rare stamps
$100 - $1000+

Value Notes: The value of these occupation issues varies significantly based on the specific overprint, the base stamp used, condition, and rarity. Unused examples and those with clear, well-centered overprints tend to command higher prices. Forgeries are known, so expert authentication is crucial for high-value items.

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How to Identify Japanese Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (WWII) Stamps

Key features to look for when identifying Japanese Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (WWII) stamps:

  • 1 Look for Japanese characters (Kanji) or other Japanese military symbols overprinted on British Indian stamps.
  • 2 Examine the base stamp to identify the original British Indian issue.
  • 3 Check for provisional issues that may have unique Japanese designs or inscriptions, often in English or Japanese.

Related Issuers & Topics

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Japanese WWII Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands stamps?

These are stamps issued during the Japanese occupation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands between 1942 and 1945. They typically consist of British Indian stamps overprinted with Japanese characters or other occupation markings, or provisional issues created by the Japanese military administration.

Are Japanese WWII Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands stamps valuable?

Yes, some of these stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprints, specific provisional issues, or stamps in excellent condition. Their historical significance and limited issuance contribute to their philatelic interest. Values can range from a few dollars for common types to hundreds or even thousands for rare varieties.

How can I identify Japanese WWII Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands stamps?

You can identify these stamps by looking for overprints in Japanese characters or other occupation-related inscriptions on British Indian stamps. Some provisional issues may have distinct Japanese designs. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamp to known issues and verify its authenticity.

Which catalogs list Japanese WWII Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands stamps?

These stamps are listed in major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including catalog numbers, descriptions, and estimated values for various issues.

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