Nanking Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Nanking (Nanjing) Stamps
Nanking, or Nanjing, is a major city located in East Asia within the Jiangsu province of China. While not an independent sovereign entity for most of its postal history, it served as the capital of the Republic of China during various periods, notably under the Nationalist government. Stamps issued for use in this region during the early 20th century primarily feature Chinese characters, often alongside English or French, reflecting the international context of the treaty port era and subsequent national administration. The postal history of Nanking is intrinsically linked to the broader, often turbulent, political transitions of modern China, including periods of warlord rule and the establishment of the People's Republic.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1896 β 1897
- Languages:
- Chinese, English
- Currency:
- CNY
- Parent issuer:
- China
Stamp Catalogs
Nanking (Nanjing) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Nanking (Nanjing) Stamp Series
Nanking Local Post (1896-1897)
Stamps issued by the local postal administration in Nanking, often featuring Chinese characters and sometimes English inscriptions, used for local mail delivery.
issuer:nanking.series.items.1.name (issuer:nanking.series.items.1.period)
issuer:nanking.series.items.1.description
issuer:nanking.series.items.2.name (issuer:nanking.series.items.2.period)
issuer:nanking.series.items.2.description
Nanking (Nanjing) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Nanking local post stamps can vary significantly based on condition, specific issue, and cancellations. Rarer varieties, especially those in fine condition or on cover, command higher prices. Forgeries are known to exist.
How to Identify Nanking (Nanjing) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Nanking (Nanjing) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'NANKING' or Chinese characters for 'εδΊ¬' (NΓ‘njΔ«ng) on the stamps.
- 2 Examine the design for typical Chinese imperial or early republican motifs, often with a simple, utilitarian appearance.
- 3 Verify watermarks and perforations against catalog descriptions, as these can be crucial for distinguishing genuine issues from reprints or forgeries.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nanking stamps?
Nanking stamps refer primarily to local post stamps issued for use in the city of Nanking (Nanjing), China, during the late 19th century. While Nanking later served as the capital of the Republic of China, these specific 'Nanking' issues are distinct local post stamps, not national issues.
Are Nanking stamps valuable?
Some Nanking local post stamps can be quite valuable, particularly rare varieties, those in excellent condition, or stamps on original covers. Common issues may be less valuable, but their historical significance often makes them desirable to collectors of Chinese philately. Prices can range from a few dollars to over a thousand for rare examples.
How can I identify Nanking stamps?
Nanking stamps typically feature the city's name in English ('NANKING') and/or Chinese characters (εδΊ¬). They often have designs characteristic of early Chinese local posts. For accurate identification, compare your stamps with detailed images and descriptions in philatelic catalogs. A stamp identifier app can also assist in preliminary identification by scanning the stamp.
Which catalogs list Nanking stamps?
Nanking local post stamps are listed in major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within the sections for Chinese local posts or early Chinese issues. Specialized catalogs for Chinese philately will offer even more detailed listings.
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