Kwangsi Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Kwangsi (Guangxi) Stamps
Kwangsi, located in Southern China, was historically a province known for its rugged terrain and significant minority populations. Its postal history falls under the broader context of the late Qing Dynasty and the subsequent Republic of China period, often reflecting the administrative structures of central Chinese governments rather than distinct colonial control. Stamps issued for this region primarily feature Chinese characters, though transitional issues may show multilingual inscriptions common during periods of treaty port activity or internal instability. The administrative status of Kwangsi, particularly during the Warlord Era and the rise of the Communist Party, led to periods where local postal control or overprints were occasionally necessary.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1949 – 1949
- Languages:
- Chinese
- Currency:
- CNY
- Parent issuer:
- China
Stamp Catalogs
Kwangsi (Guangxi) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Kwangsi (Guangxi) Stamp Series
Kwangsi Surcharges on Chinese Nationalist Stamps (1949)
Stamps of the Republic of China overprinted locally in Kwangsi during the final stages of the Chinese Civil War, often with new values or provincial indicators.
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issuer:kwangsi.series.items.2.name (issuer:kwangsi.series.items.2.period)
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Kwangsi (Guangxi) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Kwangsi stamps is highly dependent on the specific overprint, its rarity, and condition. Many are local surcharges on standard Chinese issues, with some varieties being quite scarce. Forgeries are known, especially of the more valuable overprints.
How to Identify Kwangsi (Guangxi) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Kwangsi (Guangxi) stamps:
- 1 Look for Chinese characters indicating 'Kwangsi' (廣西) or local overprints on stamps originally issued by the Republic of China.
- 2 Pay close attention to the specific type and color of the overprint, as variations can significantly impact value.
- 3 Examine the base stamp for watermarks and perforations consistent with Republic of China issues of the late 1940s.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kwangsi stamps?
Kwangsi stamps refer primarily to issues from 1949, consisting of Republic of China stamps that were locally overprinted or surcharged in the Kwangsi (Guangxi) province. These were issued during a tumultuous period of the Chinese Civil War, reflecting local postal administration needs.
Are Kwangsi stamps valuable?
Some Kwangsi stamps can be quite valuable, particularly rare overprints or varieties in fine condition. Common issues may be in the $5-$50 range, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Authenticity is crucial due to the prevalence of forgeries.
How can I identify Kwangsi stamps?
To identify Kwangsi stamps, look for the distinctive Chinese overprints on Republic of China stamps, often indicating new values or the provincial name. Comparing them with known catalog listings and using a stamp identifier app can help verify their authenticity and specific variety.
Which catalogs list Kwangsi stamps?
Kwangsi stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically under China or specific provincial/local issues from the Republic of China period. Specialized catalogs for Chinese stamps also provide detailed listings.
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