Japanese WWII Occupation of Sumatra Stamps
Sumatra, located in Maritime Southeast Asia, was occupied by the Empire of Japan during the Second World War, leading to the issuance of provisional postage stamps. These issues replaced the previous Dutch colonial postal system, reflecting the temporary military administration established by the Japanese forces.
- Issued stamps
- 1943–1943
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- Guilder (occupied currency)
- Languages
- Japanese, Malay
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Japan
History and background
Stamps from this period predominantly feature Japanese script alongside local language elements or denominations reflecting the occupied currency system. This brief but significant period marks a transition between Dutch colonial rule and the subsequent Indonesian struggle for independence.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for Japanese characters (Kanji) overprinted on Netherlands Indies stamps.
- Examine the base stamp for its original design and watermarks.
- Check for signs of genuine overprinting vs. forged additions (ink type, sharpness, placement).
- Note the denomination, which may be in guilders or a new occupation currency.
Popular series
-
Provisional Overprints on Netherlands Indies Stamps
1943
Existing Dutch East Indies stamps overprinted with Japanese characters or new denominations, often crudely applied.
-
Japanese Military Administration Issues
1943
Stamps specifically issued by the Japanese military administration, featuring Japanese script and sometimes local imagery.
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 depends heavily on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the base stamp. Forgeries and unofficial overprints are common, requiring expert authentication. Complete sets and covers are more valuable.
Catalogs. Japanese WWII Occupation of Sumatra 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 of Sumatra stamps
These are provisional postage stamps issued during the Japanese occupation of Sumatra (part of the Netherlands Indies) in 1943. They typically consist of existing Dutch East Indies stamps overprinted with Japanese characters or new denominations, reflecting the temporary military administration.
The value of these stamps varies significantly. Common overprints on readily available base stamps might be in the $5-$50 range. However, rare overprints, specific varieties, or stamps on cover can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Authenticity is a major factor, as forgeries are prevalent.
Look for Japanese characters overprinted on stamps originally issued for the Netherlands Indies. Pay attention to the specific overprint design, the underlying stamp, and any local language elements. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
These stamps are listed in major international catalogs such as Scott (under 'Netherlands Indies' or 'Japanese Occupation'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs for Japanese occupation issues or Netherlands Indies might provide more detailed listings and varieties.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.