Malacca (Melaka) Stamps
Malacca, located on the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, was a significant trading port under various colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Its postal history is primarily tied to the Straits Settlements administration, where stamps were issued under British authority, often sharing designs with Penang and Singapore.
- Issued stamps
- 1948–2018
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- MYR
- Languages
- English, Malay
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Malaysia
About Malacca (Melaka) stamps
The primary language appearing on these colonial issues was English, reflecting British administration. Following the dissolution of the Straits Settlements, Malacca transitioned through the Federated Malay States and eventually became part of independent Malaysia, with its distinct postal identity subsumed into the national postal system.
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.
- MALACCA
- MELAKA
How to identify Malacca (Melaka) stamps
- Look for 'MALACCA' or 'MELAKA' as the primary inscription on the stamp.
- Early issues may feature portraits of British monarchs (George VI, Elizabeth II) or local Malayan scenes.
- Check for watermarks, especially on older issues, which can be crucial for identification and value.
- Pay attention to the currency depicted, which transitioned from Straits Settlements currency to Malayan dollar.
Popular series
-
Malacca State Issues
1948-1957
Stamps issued specifically for Malacca as a British settlement, often featuring local scenes or the Sultan's portrait, before full integration into independent Malaysia's postal system.
-
Definitives of King George VI
1948-1952
A series of definitive stamps featuring the portrait of King George VI, common across many British colonial territories, overprinted or inscribed for Malacca.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Definitives
1953-1957
Following the accession of Queen Elizabeth II, new definitive series were issued, often with her portrait and specific Malacca inscriptions, before the Malayan Federation's 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–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common Malacca stamps from the post-Straits Settlements era are generally affordable. Rarer varieties include errors, specific plate flaws, or high-denomination stamps in pristine condition. Early issues from the Straits Settlements period overprinted for Malacca can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Malacca (Melaka) 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 Malacca (Melaka) stamps
Malacca (Melaka) stamps refer to postage stamps issued for the British settlement of Malacca, primarily from 1948 until its full integration into independent Malaysia's postal system. Before 1948, Malacca used stamps of the Straits Settlements. These stamps reflect its colonial history and subsequent transition.
The value of Malacca (Melaka) stamps varies significantly. Common definitive issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, certain rare varieties, such as errors, specific overprints, or high-denomination stamps in fine condition, can be quite valuable, potentially fetching hundreds of dollars. Condition plays a crucial role in determining value.
To identify Malacca (Melaka) stamps, look for the inscription 'MALACCA' or 'MELAKA'. Many issues feature portraits of British monarchs or local Malayan imagery. Consulting a philatelic catalog like Scott, Michel, or Stanley Gibbons is highly recommended. You can also use a stamp identification app by scanning the stamp, which can help quickly identify its origin and details.
Malacca (Melaka) stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You will find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (often under Malaysia or British Commonwealth), the Michel catalog (under Malaysia/Malaya), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue.
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