Kedah Stamps
Kedah is a state located in the northern Malay Peninsula, part of Southeast Asia. Historically a sultanate with significant regional influence, its postal history falls under the broader context of British influence in Malaya, eventually becoming part of the Federation of Malaya.
- Issued stamps
- 1912–2018
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- MYR
- Languages
- Malay, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Malaya (British Military Administration)
About Kedah stamps
Stamps issued by Kedah typically feature the Malay language, often alongside English, reflecting its status as a Malay state within the modern Malaysian federation. The transition from its own sultanate postal administration to integration within the unified Malaysian postal system marks a key administrative shift in its philatelic record.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- KEDAH
- STRAITS SETTLEMENTS
How to identify Kedah stamps
- Look for 'KEDAH' inscription, often in English and Jawi script.
- Early issues are overprinted on Straits Settlements stamps, so check for both 'STRAITS SETTLEMENTS' and 'KEDAH'.
- Identify the ruling Sultan depicted on definitive issues for dating.
Popular series
-
First Definitive Issue (Tiger and State Crest)
1912-1921
Kedah's inaugural stamp series, featuring the state crest and a tiger, overprinted on Straits Settlements stamps.
-
Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah Issue
1921-1937
Definitive series depicting Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 26th Sultan of Kedah, in various denominations.
-
Coronation of King George VI
1937
Commemorative stamps issued for the coronation of King George VI, common to many British colonies and protectorates.
-
Sultan Badlishah Issue
1950-1956
Definitive series featuring Sultan Badlishah, issued after World War II and before Malayan independence.
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
- $0.50–$10
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$5,000+
Early issues, especially those with specific overprints or high denominations, can be quite valuable. Condition plays a significant role, as does the presence of plate flaws or errors. Later definitive issues are generally more affordable.
Catalogs. Kedah 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 Kedah stamps
Kedah stamps are postage stamps issued by the state of Kedah, located in the northern Malay Peninsula. They were first issued in 1912, initially as overprints on Straits Settlements stamps, and later as distinct issues, reflecting its status as a British Protected State and subsequent integration into Malaysia.
The value of Kedah stamps varies significantly. Early issues, particularly those from the 1912-1921 period with specific overprints or higher denominations, can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to thousands of dollars. Later definitive issues are generally more common and affordable, typically valued between $0.50 and $10. Rarity, condition, and specific varieties all influence value.
You can identify Kedah stamps by looking for the prominent 'KEDAH' inscription, often in both English and Jawi script. Early issues will also bear the 'STRAITS SETTLEMENTS' inscription beneath the Kedah overprint. Identifying the portrait of the ruling Sultan (e.g., Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, Sultan Badlishah) can help date later definitive series. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Kedah stamps are comprehensively listed in major international philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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