Japanese Occupation of North Borneo 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.
- Issued stamps
- 1942–1944
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Languages
- Japanese, Malay, English
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Japan
History and background
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for Japanese characters (Kanji or Katakana) overprinted on stamps originally issued by British North Borneo.
- Examine the original design of the stamp to confirm it's a British North Borneo issue.
- Be aware of different types of overprints and their specific meanings (e.g., 'Dai Nippon Yubin', 'Military Post').
Popular 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.
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+
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.
Catalogs. Japanese Occupation of North Borneo 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 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.
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.
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. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
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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