Japanese Occupation of North Borneo Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Japanese Occupation of North Borneo (WWII) Stamps
Japanese WWII Occupation of North Borneo refers to the period when the territory, located in Southeast Asia on the island of Borneo, was administered by the Empire of Japan following its invasion during the Second World War. Stamps issued during this occupation served as provisional issues, replacing those of the previous British colonial administration. These issues typically feature Japanese text alongside local language elements, reflecting the shift in sovereignty from the United Kingdom to Japanese military control between 1942 and 1945. The postal history of this entity is brief, ending with the restoration of British administration after the war.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- Southeast Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1942 – 1944
- Languages:
- Japanese, Malay, English
- Currency:
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- Parent issuer:
- Japan
Stamp Catalogs
Japanese Occupation of North Borneo (WWII) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Japanese Occupation of North Borneo (WWII) Stamp Series
Overprinted British North Borneo Issues (1942-1944)
Stamps of British North Borneo overprinted with Japanese characters, often indicating 'Dai Nippon Yubin' (Great Japan Post) or similar.
Japanese Military Administration Issues (1942-1944)
Stamps issued directly by the Japanese military administration, sometimes featuring Japanese designs or text.
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Japanese Occupation of North Borneo (WWII) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the underlying British North Borneo stamp. Forgeries and unofficial overprints are common, impacting value.
How to Identify Japanese Occupation of North Borneo (WWII) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Japanese Occupation of North Borneo (WWII) stamps:
- 1 Look for Japanese characters (Kanji or Katakana) overprinted on stamps originally issued by British North Borneo.
- 2 Examine the original design of the stamp to confirm it's a British North Borneo issue.
- 3 Be aware of different types of overprints and their specific meanings (e.g., 'Dai Nippon Yubin', 'Military Post').
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Japanese Occupation of North Borneo stamps?
These are postage stamps issued during the Japanese occupation of North Borneo (present-day Sabah, Malaysia) between 1942 and 1944, following the Japanese invasion during World War II. They typically consist of existing British North Borneo stamps overprinted with Japanese text, or sometimes new issues by the Japanese military administration.
Are Japanese Occupation of North Borneo stamps valuable?
The value of these stamps can range from a few euros for common overprints to several hundred or even thousands for rare varieties, specific overprint errors, or stamps in pristine condition. Rarity is often tied to the specific underlying British North Borneo stamp and the type of Japanese overprint. Collectors should be wary of forgeries.
How can I identify Japanese Occupation of North Borneo stamps?
To identify these stamps, look for Japanese characters overprinted on stamps that clearly originate from British North Borneo. Familiarize yourself with common overprint types and the original designs of British North Borneo stamps. Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the origin and authenticity of the overprint.
Which catalogs list Japanese Occupation of North Borneo stamps?
Japanese Occupation of North Borneo stamps are primarily listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within sections dedicated to Japanese Occupation issues or specific to North Borneo.
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