Newfoundland Stamps
Newfoundland is a large island situated off the eastern coast of North America, historically a separate British colony before joining Canada. Its postal history spans from early colonial issues under the British Crown to its eventual entry into the Canadian Confederation, with stamps often reflecting its unique maritime identity and relationship with the United Kingdom.
- Issued stamps
- 1857–1947
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- NFD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About Newfoundland stamps
Early issues prominently featured English text and denominations in British currency, transitioning later to Canadian currency following its entry into the Dominion of Canada in 1949. The island’s distinct postal administration ceased upon confederation, integrating its postal services with Canada Post.
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.
- NEWFOUNDLAND
How to identify Newfoundland stamps
- Look for 'NEWFOUNDLAND' prominently displayed on the stamp.
- Early issues often feature portraits of British monarchs or local wildlife like the Caribou.
- Denominations are typically in British currency (pence, shillings, pounds) for earlier issues, transitioning to cents and dollars later.
- Watermarks (e.g., Crown CC, Crown CA) can be crucial for identifying specific printings and varieties.
Popular series
-
First Issues (Penny Black Type)
1857-1862
The iconic first issues, featuring various designs including the 'Penny Black' type, often sought after for their historical significance.
-
Caribou Issues
1897-1937
A long-running and popular series depicting the caribou, a symbol of Newfoundland, with numerous varieties and printings.
-
Pictorial Issues
Early 20th Century
Stamps featuring local scenes, industries, and historical figures, showcasing the island's unique identity.
-
Airmail Issues
1919-1933
Notable for early airmail stamps, including the famous 'Hawker' and 'Alcock and Brown' issues, commemorating transatlantic flights.
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
- $0.50–$20
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$50,000+
Common Newfoundland stamps are generally affordable. Rarer issues, especially early imperforate stamps, high-value airmails, and errors, can fetch significant prices. Condition, centering, and cancellations heavily influence value.
Catalogs. Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland stamps
Newfoundland stamps are postage stamps issued by the British colony and later Dominion of Newfoundland from 1857 until its confederation with Canada in 1949. They reflect the island's unique history, maritime heritage, and connection to the British Crown.
The value of Newfoundland stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for under a dollar, while rare early imperforate stamps, specific airmail issues (like the Hawker or Alcock and Brown stamps), and significant errors can be extremely valuable, fetching thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Condition, rarity, and demand are key factors.
To identify Newfoundland stamps, look for the country name 'NEWFOUNDLAND' on the stamp. Pay attention to the design, denomination, and any watermarks. For precise identification and to determine varieties, using a specialized stamp catalog is recommended. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Newfoundland stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (USA), Stanley Gibbons (UK), and Michel (Germany). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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