Japanese WWII Occupation in Kedah Stamps
Japanese WWII Occupation in Kedah refers to a brief period in Southeast Asia when the British Malayan territory of Kedah was administered by the Empire of Japan during the Second World War. Stamps issued during this time reflect the immediate cessation of British colonial postal authority, often featuring overprints or provisional issues on existing Malayan currency.
- Issued stamps
- 1942–1942
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- YEN
- Languages
- Japanese, English, Malay
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Japan
History and background
The language on these ephemeral issues typically reflects the occupying power, Japanese, alongside English or Malay, marking a significant, albeit temporary, disruption in the region's postal history before the return to British control.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for Japanese overprints, typically in black or red, on stamps originally issued for Kedah or Malaya.
- Examine the original stamp design, which will usually be British colonial era designs featuring King George VI or local Malayan motifs.
- Check for the specific characters 'Dai Nippon Yubin' (大日本郵便) or other Japanese script indicating postal authority.
Popular series
-
Overprints on Kedah Stamps
1942
Existing Kedah stamps overprinted with Japanese characters (often 'Dai Nippon Yubin' - Great Japan Post) or symbols, signifying the change in postal authority.
-
Provisional Issues
1942
Stamps issued for temporary use, often utilizing existing Malayan stamps with new values or designs to reflect the occupation.
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 is highly dependent on the specific overprint, condition, and whether it's a genuine postal usage. Forgeries and unofficial overprints are common, requiring expert authentication. Full sets or rare varieties can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Japanese WWII Occupation in Kedah 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 WWII Occupation in Kedah stamps
Japanese WWII Occupation in Kedah stamps are postal issues used in the British Malayan state of Kedah during its brief occupation by the Empire of Japan in 1942. These stamps typically consist of existing Kedah or Malayan stamps overprinted with Japanese characters or provisional issues.
The value of Japanese WWII Occupation in Kedah stamps varies. Common overprints in used condition might be worth a few dollars, while rare varieties, errors, or genuinely postally used covers can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Authentication is crucial due to the prevalence of forgeries.
To identify Japanese WWII Occupation in Kedah stamps, look for Japanese overprints on stamps originally issued for Kedah or Malaya. These overprints often include Japanese characters like 'Dai Nippon Yubin'. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Japanese WWII Occupation in Kedah stamps are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Malaya - Japanese Occupation), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons (often within the Malaya sections or specific occupation listings). These catalogs provide detailed listings, descriptions, and estimated values.
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