Kingston (Jamaica) Stamps
Kingston is not a sovereign country but the capital city of Jamaica, an island nation in the Caribbean. Jamaican postal history is rooted in its long association with the British Empire, which heavily influenced its early postal administration and stamp designs.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Americas, Caribbean
- Currency
- JMD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Jamaica
About Kingston (Jamaica) stamps
Stamps issued for use in Jamaica, including those originating from Kingston, predominantly feature English, the official language, and reflect the island's transition from a Crown Colony to an independent nation in 1962. The postal system has since aligned with international standards, notably joining the Universal Postal Union.
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.
- KINGSTON
How to identify Kingston (Jamaica) stamps
- Look for the distinctive 'KINGSTON' handstamp over a British stamp, specifically the 1d rose-red (SG 40 or Scott 33).
- Examine the overprint for authenticity; forgeries exist. Expertization is often recommended for high-value examples.
Popular series
-
Kingston Provisional
1861
A rare provisional issue created due to a shortage of regular Jamaican stamps, featuring a handstamped 'KINGSTON' over a British stamp.
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
- N/A (no common issues)
- Scarce stamps
- $500–$5,000+
The single Kingston provisional issue is highly sought after by collectors of Jamaican and British Commonwealth stamps. Its value depends heavily on condition, clarity of the overprint, and any distinguishing characteristics.
Catalogs. Kingston (Jamaica) 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 Kingston (Jamaica) stamps
Kingston stamps refer to a unique provisional issue from 1861, created in Kingston, Jamaica, due to a temporary shortage of regular Jamaican stamps. These were British stamps handstamped with 'KINGSTON' for local use.
Yes, Kingston provisional stamps are considered very valuable due to their rarity and historical significance. Prices can range from hundreds to several thousands of US dollars, depending on condition and authenticity.
You can identify Kingston stamps by looking for the clear 'KINGSTON' handstamp over a British 1d rose-red stamp. Due to their value, it's crucial to verify authenticity, often requiring expert opinion. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Kingston provisional stamps are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Jamaica or British Commonwealth), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons (under Jamaica). They are typically noted as a provisional or local issue.
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