New Guinea Stamps
New Guinea, comprising the world's second-largest island, is geographically located in Oceania, specifically within the Melanesian subregion of the southwestern Pacific. Its postal history is complex, marked by successive colonial administrations including German, British, and later Australian control over various territories, leading to distinct series of stamps reflecting these sovereignties.
- Issued stamps
- 1925–1939
- Region
- Oceania, Melanesia
- Currency
- AUD
- Languages
- English, German, Tok Pisin
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Australia
About New Guinea stamps
The island's linguistic diversity is reflected on its postal issues, which often feature English, German, or local languages depending on the ruling power and specific administrative region, such as Papua or New Guinea. Significant transitions include the League of Nations and later United Nations mandates, culminating in the eventual independence of Papua New Guinea, which fundamentally altered the scope and design of its postal emissions.
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.
- NEW GUINEA
- NORTH WEST PACIFIC ISLANDS
How to identify New Guinea stamps
- Look for 'NEW GUINEA' or 'NORTH WEST PACIFIC ISLANDS' overprints on Australian or German colonial stamps.
- The distinctive Bird of Paradise design is a key identifier for the 1932-1939 definitive issues.
- Check for watermarks (e.g., Crown and A, or multiple Crown and C A) which can help differentiate issues and printings.
Popular series
-
Overprinted German New Guinea Stamps
1914-1925
Stamps of German New Guinea overprinted with 'G.R.I.' (Georgius Rex Imperator) and new values, used during the British military occupation and early Australian administration.
-
Kangaroo and Map Series (Australian Commonwealth Stamps Overprinted)
1925-1931
Australian Commonwealth stamps (featuring the Kangaroo and Map design) overprinted with 'NORTH WEST PACIFIC ISLANDS' or 'NEW GUINEA' for use in the mandated territory.
-
Bird of Paradise Series
1932-1939
The first definitive series specifically designed for the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, featuring the Raggiana Bird of Paradise.
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–$20
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$5,000+
Early overprints, especially those with scarce varieties or errors, can command significant prices. The Bird of Paradise series, while popular, generally has more modest values unless in pristine condition or featuring specific plate flaws. High values and complete sets are more sought after.
Catalogs. New Guinea 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 New Guinea stamps
New Guinea stamps refer to the postal emissions from the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, administered by Australia after World War I. These stamps were used from 1925 until 1939, following earlier issues from German New Guinea and British/Australian military occupation.
The value of New Guinea stamps varies widely. Early overprinted issues, especially those from the military occupation or with rare varieties, can be quite valuable, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Later definitive issues, like the Bird of Paradise series, are generally more common but can still fetch good prices for complete sets, high values, or pristine condition. Condition, rarity, and specific varieties are key factors in determining value.
You can identify New Guinea stamps by looking for the 'NEW GUINEA' or 'NORTH WEST PACIFIC ISLANDS' overprints on stamps that often feature Australian designs (like the Kangaroo and Map) or by recognizing the unique Bird of Paradise designs from the 1930s. Checking watermarks and perforations can also help. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
New Guinea stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Katalog (especially for German colonial and occupation issues), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue.
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