New Britain Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About New Britain Stamps
New Britain is a large island located in the Bismarck Archipelago of Oceania, north of Papua New Guinea. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to its colonial administration, initially under German rule, followed by Australian control after World War I, and later as part of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Stamps issued for New Britain often feature English and sometimes German or local languages, reflecting these administrative shifts. The island's postal services were integrated into the broader administration of the territory, with distinct issues ceasing upon the formation of independent Papua New Guinea.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Oceania
- Subregion:
- Melanesia
- Issuing period:
- 1914 – 1915
- Languages:
- English, German
- Currency:
- AUD
- Parent issuer:
- Australia
Stamp Catalogs
New Britain stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular New Britain Stamp Series
German New Guinea Overprints (1914)
Stamps of German New Guinea overprinted 'G.R.I.' (Georgius Rex Imperator) and new values in Australian currency, issued during the Australian occupation.
Kaiser's Yacht 'Hohenzollern' Overprints (1914-1915)
German colonial stamps featuring the Kaiser's yacht, overprinted 'G.R.I.' and new values for use in New Britain.
issuer:new-britain.series.items.2.name (issuer:new-britain.series.items.2.period)
issuer:new-britain.series.items.2.description
New Britain Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are mint or used. Early occupation issues, especially those with scarce overprint varieties, command higher prices. Forgeries of overprints exist, so expertization is recommended for valuable items.
How to Identify New Britain Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying New Britain stamps:
- 1 Look for 'G.R.I.' overprints, often with new Australian currency values (e.g., '1d.', '2d.', '1/-').
- 2 Stamps are typically German colonial issues, especially those depicting the Kaiser's yacht 'Hohenzollern' or the 'Reichsadler' (Imperial Eagle).
- 3 issuer:new-britain.identification.tips.2
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are New Britain stamps?
New Britain stamps are issues used during the Australian occupation of the German colony of New Guinea, specifically the island of New Britain, from 1914 to 1915. They primarily consist of German colonial stamps overprinted with 'G.R.I.' and new Australian currency denominations.
Are New Britain stamps valuable?
Yes, many New Britain stamps can be valuable, particularly those with rare overprint varieties, good centering, and in fine condition. Prices can range from a few dollars for common issues to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for rare examples. The historical context of these occupation issues adds to their philatelic interest and value.
How can I identify New Britain stamps?
To identify New Britain stamps, look for the distinctive 'G.R.I.' (Georgius Rex Imperator) overprint, often accompanied by new values in Australian currency (e.g., '1d', '2d', '1/-'). These overprints are found on stamps originally issued for German New Guinea. Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the origin and specific issue.
Which catalogs list New Britain stamps?
New Britain stamps are comprehensively listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott (under 'New Britain' or 'German New Guinea - Australian Occupation'), Michel (under 'Deutsch-Neuguinea - Australische Besetzung'), and Stanley Gibbons (under 'New Britain').
Not sure if your stamp is from New Britain?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store