Natal Stamps
Natal was a British colony situated on the southeastern coast of Africa, eventually becoming a province of the Union of South Africa. Its postal history began under British administration, issuing stamps from 1857, often featuring Queen Victoria and later monarchs.
- Issued stamps
- 1857–1908
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About Natal stamps
The stamps predominantly displayed English inscriptions, reflecting its colonial status and later incorporation into the South African postal system. Following the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910, Natal's separate postal issues ceased, and its territory was absorbed into the larger national postal administration.
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.
- NATAL
How to identify Natal stamps
- Look for 'NATAL' inscription, typically at the top or bottom of the stamp.
- Early issues often feature the 'Chalon Head' portrait of Queen Victoria.
- Later issues (post-1870) feature different portraits of Queen Victoria or King Edward VII.
- Pay attention to watermarks (e.g., Crown CC, Crown CA) and perforations, which are crucial for distinguishing varieties.
Popular series
-
Chalon Head Issues
1857-1867
Early issues featuring the iconic 'Chalon Head' portrait of Queen Victoria, often imperforate.
-
Queen Victoria Definitive Issues
1870-1902
A long-running series depicting Queen Victoria in various designs, including surcharges and color changes.
-
King Edward VII Issues
1902-1908
Stamps issued during the reign of King Edward VII, marking the final separate issues for Natal.
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–$5,000+
Common Natal stamps are affordable, especially later definitive issues. Early imperforate Chalon Heads, rare surcharges, and specific plate varieties can command significant prices. Condition, cancellations, and rarity of specific printings heavily influence value.
Catalogs. Natal 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 Natal stamps
Natal stamps are postage stamps issued by the British colony of Natal, located on the southeastern coast of Africa, between 1857 and 1908. They primarily feature British monarchs like Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, reflecting its colonial status before becoming part of the Union of South Africa.
The value of Natal stamps varies widely. Common later issues can be found for a few dollars, while early imperforate 'Chalon Head' issues, rare surcharges, specific watermarks, and well-preserved examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition, rarity, and specific varieties are key determinants of value.
Natal stamps can be identified by the prominent 'NATAL' inscription. Early stamps feature Queen Victoria's 'Chalon Head' portrait, while later issues show different portraits of Victoria or King Edward VII. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Natal stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, watermarks, perforations, and estimated values, essential for collectors.
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