Johore Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Johore Stamps
Johore is a state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Historically, it was one of the Federated Malay States under British protection, leading to a distinct postal history separate from the Straits Settlements until the formation of Malaysia. Stamps from this period predominantly feature English alongside Jawi script or Malay, reflecting the administrative language and local tongue. Johore maintained its own postal service and unique stamp issues until its integration into the unified Malaysian postal system.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- Southeast Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1876 – 2018
- Languages:
- English, Malay, Jawi
- Currency:
- MYR
- Parent issuer:
- Malaysia
Stamp Catalogs
Johore stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Johore Stamp Series
Sultan Abu Bakar Issues (1884-1891)
Early issues featuring the portrait of Sultan Abu Bakar, often surcharged or overprinted.
Tiger Issues (1903-1904)
Stamps depicting a tiger, a symbol of Johore, with various denominations.
Sultan Ibrahim Issues (1904-1940)
Long-running series featuring the portrait of Sultan Ibrahim, with numerous color and watermark variations.
Johore Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common Johore stamps are generally affordable. Early issues, errors, varieties, and high-denomination stamps, especially those from the Sultan Abu Bakar and Japanese Occupation periods, can fetch significant prices. Condition plays a crucial role in value.
How to Identify Johore Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Johore stamps:
- 1 Look for the name 'JOHORE' or 'JOHOR' (later issues) prominently displayed.
- 2 Early stamps often feature portraits of Sultans (Abu Bakar, Ibrahim) or the Johore tiger motif.
- 3 Many stamps include text in both English and Jawi script (Malay written in Arabic characters).
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Johore stamps?
Johore stamps are postage stamps issued by the state of Johore, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Johore maintained its own postal service and distinct stamp issues from 1876 until its integration into the unified Malaysian postal system, initially under British protection and later as part of Malaysia.
Are Johore stamps valuable?
The value of Johore stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for under $10, while rare early issues, specific varieties, errors, and high-denomination stamps, particularly those from the Sultan Abu Bakar period or with Japanese occupation overprints, can be highly valuable, reaching thousands of dollars. Factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance heavily influence their worth.
How can I identify Johore stamps?
To identify Johore stamps, look for the name 'JOHORE' or 'JOHOR' on the stamp. Many issues feature portraits of the Sultans (Abu Bakar, Ibrahim) or the iconic Johore tiger. Text is often in both English and Jawi script. For precise identification, including watermarks, overprints, and varieties, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized stamp catalog.
Which catalogs list Johore stamps?
Johore stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 3 for Asia), the Michel Ostasien (East Asia) catalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (Part 3 for British Asia).
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