Japanese WWII Occupation of the Philippines Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Japanese Occupation of the Philippines (WWII) Stamps
The Japanese WWII Occupation of the Philippines refers to the period when the archipelago in Southeast Asia was under the military administration of the Empire of Japan during the Second World War. Stamps issued during this time were typically overprints or surcharges on existing Philippine issues, reflecting the abrupt transition from American colonial postal control to Japanese military governance. The postal issues primarily feature English and Spanish text inherited from previous administrations, often alongside Japanese characters or military directives. These provisional issues ceased upon the restoration of Philippine sovereignty and the resumption of normal postal services.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- Southeast Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1942 β 1945
- Languages:
- English, Spanish, Japanese
- Currency:
- PHP
- Parent issuer:
- Japan
Stamp Catalogs
Japanese Occupation of the Philippines (WWII) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Japanese Occupation of the Philippines (WWII) Stamp Series
Overprinted Philippine Issues (1942-1945)
Existing Philippine stamps overprinted with Japanese characters (e.g., 'Dai Nippon Yubin' - Great Japan Post) or military control markings.
Surcharged Issues (1942-1945)
Philippine stamps with new values surcharged, often in conjunction with Japanese overprints.
issuer:japanese-wwii-occ-in-philippines.series.items.2.name (issuer:japanese-wwii-occ-in-philippines.series.items.2.period)
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Japanese Occupation of the Philippines (WWII) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, surcharge, condition, and rarity of the underlying Philippine stamp. Errors or varieties are highly sought after.
How to Identify Japanese Occupation of the Philippines (WWII) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Japanese Occupation of the Philippines (WWII) stamps:
- 1 Look for Japanese characters (e.g., '倧ζ₯ζ¬ι΅δΎΏ' - Dai Nippon Yubin) overprinted on stamps originally issued by the U.S. Administration of the Philippines.
- 2 Check for surcharges in new denominations, often in pesos or centavos, applied over existing designs.
- 3 Stamps typically retain the original designs and languages (English, Spanish) of the pre-occupation Philippine issues, with the Japanese additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Japanese WWII Occupation of the Philippines stamps?
These are postage stamps issued during the Japanese military occupation of the Philippines from 1942 to 1945. They are primarily existing Philippine stamps overprinted with Japanese characters or military control markings, or surcharged with new values.
Are Japanese WWII Occupation of the Philippines stamps valuable?
Some stamps from this period can be quite valuable, especially those with rare overprints, errors, or on specific underlying Philippine issues. Common examples are generally affordable, ranging from $1 to $10, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds of dollars or more.
How can I identify Japanese WWII Occupation of the Philippines stamps?
Look for overprints in Japanese script (e.g., 'Dai Nippon Yubin') or military control marks on stamps that clearly depict Philippine themes or text from the American colonial period. A stamp identifier app can help you quickly identify these unique occupation issues.
Which catalogs list Japanese WWII Occupation of the Philippines stamps?
These stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. They typically have their own dedicated sections or are listed within the Philippines section under 'Japanese Occupation'.
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