Nabha 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.
- Issued stamps
- 1885–1942
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Punjabi, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Nabha stamps
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.
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.
- NABHA STATE
How to identify Nabha stamps
- Look for the overprint 'NABHA STATE' (often in English and sometimes in Gurmukhi script) on stamps originally issued by British India.
- Pay attention to the type and setting of the overprint, as these can indicate different issues and varieties.
- Examine the base stamp for its original design (e.g., Queen Victoria, King Edward VII) to determine the underlying British Indian issue.
Popular 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'.
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
- £1–£10
- Scarce stamps
- £50–£500+
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.
Catalogs. Nabha 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 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.
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.
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. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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