Malta Stamps
Malta is an island nation situated in the Central Mediterranean, strategically positioned between Southern Europe and North Africa. Its postal history is deeply rooted in its long tenure as a British Crown Colony, which heavily influenced its early philatelic output and postal administration until independence in 1964.
- Issued stamps
- 1860–present
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- EUR
- Languages
- English, Maltese
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About Malta stamps
Maltese stamps predominantly feature English alongside Maltese, reflecting the country's bilingual official status. The transition from British colonial issues to sovereign issues marks a significant period in its philatelic record, followed by its adoption of the Euro.
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.
- MALTA
- POSTAGE
- REVENUE
How to identify Malta stamps
- Look for 'MALTA' as the country name, often alongside 'POSTAGE' or 'REVENUE'.
- Early issues often feature British monarchs (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI, Elizabeth II).
- Watermarks (Crown CC, Crown CA, Multiple Crown CA) are crucial for identifying early issues.
- Later issues (post-1964 independence) will clearly state 'MALTA' and often feature Maltese cultural, historical, or natural themes.
Popular series
-
Queen Victoria Issues (Malta)
1860-1901
The iconic 'Halfpenny Yellow' and subsequent issues featuring Queen Victoria, marking the beginning of Malta's distinct postal history.
-
King George V Issues (Malta)
1914-1930
Definitive series featuring King George V, including the 'Melita' issues, known for their artistic design and historical significance.
-
Decimal Currency Issues
1973-Present
Stamps issued after Malta's adoption of decimal currency, reflecting national themes, history, and culture.
-
Euro Adoption Issues
2008-Present
Commemorative and definitive stamps issued following Malta's entry into the Eurozone, often highlighting European themes.
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
- €0.20–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€5,000+
Early Maltese issues, especially the 'Halfpenny Yellow' and certain 'Melita' varieties, can be quite valuable. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally affordable, with value increasing for complete sets, errors, or specific cancellations. Condition is paramount for higher values.
Catalogs. Malta 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 Malta stamps
Malta stamps are postage stamps issued by the island nation of Malta, located in the Central Mediterranean. Their history dates back to 1860, initially as a British Crown Colony, and later as an independent nation, reflecting its rich history and cultural heritage.
The value of Malta stamps varies significantly. Early colonial issues, particularly the first 'Halfpenny Yellow' of 1860 and certain varieties of the 'Melita' series, can be highly valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of euros. Later definitive and commemorative stamps are generally more affordable, though complete sets, errors, or stamps in pristine condition can still hold good value.
Malta stamps can be identified by the country name 'MALTA' printed on them, often alongside the denomination. Early issues feature British monarchs and may require checking watermarks for precise identification. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Malta stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.