Labuan Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Labuan Stamps
Labuan is a small island territory situated off the coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia, historically administered as a British Crown Colony. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the Straits Settlements and later the Federated Malay States, with stamps often reflecting British colonial design standards and English as the primary language. Following World War II, Labuan was briefly incorporated into North Borneo before becoming part of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, a transition marked by definitive stamp issues reflecting its new national affiliation.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- Southeast Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1879 – 1904
- Languages:
- English, Malay
- Currency:
- GBP
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
Labuan stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Labuan Stamp Series
Queen Victoria Issues (1879-1901)
Early issues featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria, often overprinted or surcharged.
Key Plate Issues (1894-1904)
Stamps with a common 'Key Plate' design, featuring a central vignette and the colony's name, often with various color and value changes.
Surcharged Issues (1890s)
Numerous stamps from the Straits Settlements and earlier Labuan issues surcharged with new values.
Labuan Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common Labuan stamps are relatively affordable, especially those without significant overprints. Rarer issues include early surcharges, errors, and high-value definitive stamps, particularly those in fine condition or with specific plate varieties. Stamps post-1904 are typically part of North Borneo or later Malaysian issues.
How to Identify Labuan Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Labuan stamps:
- 1 Look for 'LABUAN' as the country name, often in conjunction with 'POSTAGE & REVENUE'.
- 2 Many early issues are overprinted or surcharged, so examine these carefully.
- 3 The portrait of Queen Victoria is common on earlier definitive issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Labuan stamps?
Labuan stamps are postage stamps issued by the British Crown Colony of Labuan, an island off the coast of Borneo, between 1879 and 1904. They reflect its colonial administration and often feature British monarch portraits or 'Key Plate' designs.
Are Labuan stamps valuable?
The value of Labuan stamps varies significantly. Common issues can be found for a few dollars, while rare surcharges, errors, or high-value definitives, especially in superb condition, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Factors like condition, rarity, and specific varieties greatly influence their worth.
How can I identify Labuan stamps?
To identify Labuan stamps, look for the inscription 'LABUAN' or 'POSTAGE & REVENUE LABUAN'. Pay close attention to any overprints or surcharges, as these are common. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly compare your stamp to known issues and provide details on its origin and potential value.
Which catalogs list Labuan stamps?
Labuan stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 3 for British Commonwealth), the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, and the Michel Ostasien (East Asia) catalogue.
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