Nanking 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.
- Issued stamps
- 1896–1897
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Chinese, English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- China
About Nanking stamps
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.
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.
- NANKING
How to identify Nanking stamps
- Look for 'NANKING' or Chinese characters for '南京' (Nánjīng) on the stamps.
- Examine the design for typical Chinese imperial or early republican motifs, often with a simple, utilitarian appearance.
- Verify watermarks and perforations against catalog descriptions, as these can be crucial for distinguishing genuine issues from reprints or forgeries.
Popular 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.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $200–$1,000+
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.
Catalogs. Nanking 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 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.
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.
Nanking stamps typically feature the city's name in English ('NANKING') and/or Chinese characters (南京). They often have designs characteristic of early Chinese local posts. For accurate identification, compare your stamps with detailed images and descriptions in philatelic catalogs. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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