Nabha Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Nabha State Stamps
Nabha was a princely state located in the Punjab region of British India, situated in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Its postal history is characterized by the issuance of its own provisional stamps, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before integration into the British Indian postal system. These issues typically featured local inscriptions alongside English text, reflecting the administrative structure under the British Raj. The state ceased issuing its own stamps upon its merger into the Indian Union after 1947.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1885 – 1942
- Languages:
- Punjabi, English
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- British India
Stamp Catalogs
Nabha State stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Nabha State Stamp Series
First Provisional Issues (1885-1886)
Overprinted British Indian stamps with 'NABHA STATE' in various settings and types.
Official Stamps (1885-1903)
British Indian stamps overprinted 'NABHA STATE' and 'SERVICE' for official use.
King Edward VII Issues (1903-1911)
British Indian King Edward VII stamps overprinted 'NABHA STATE'.
Nabha State Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, stamp type, condition, and rarity of the British Indian base stamp. Early provisional issues and errors are particularly sought after.
How to Identify Nabha State Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Nabha State stamps:
- 1 Look for the overprint 'NABHA STATE' (often in English and sometimes in Gurmukhi script) on stamps originally issued by British India.
- 2 Pay attention to the type and setting of the overprint, as these can indicate different issues and varieties.
- 3 Examine the base stamp for its original design (e.g., Queen Victoria, King Edward VII) to determine the underlying British Indian issue.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nabha stamps?
Nabha stamps are provisional issues from the princely state of Nabha, located in the Punjab region of British India. These stamps were created by overprinting existing British Indian stamps with 'NABHA STATE' (and sometimes 'SERVICE' for official use) to signify their use within the state's postal system.
Are Nabha stamps valuable?
The value of Nabha stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for a few pounds, while rare varieties, especially early provisional issues, errors, or those on less common British Indian base stamps, can fetch hundreds of pounds. Condition and the specific overprint type are crucial factors in determining value.
How can I identify Nabha stamps?
To identify Nabha stamps, look for the distinctive 'NABHA STATE' overprint on British Indian stamps. The overprint can appear in various fonts and settings, and sometimes includes Gurmukhi script. Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the specific issue and provide details about the base stamp and overprint variations.
Which catalogs list Nabha stamps?
Nabha stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Stanley Gibbons (especially their Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue), Scott, and Michel. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various overprints, base stamps, and their respective values.
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