North Borneo Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About North Borneo Stamps
North Borneo, situated in Southeast Asia on the northern part of the island of Borneo, was administered as a British Crown Colony following its establishment as a chartered company territory. Its postal history is characterized by issues under British colonial administration, often featuring English inscriptions and denominations in Straits Settlements currency before transitioning to Malaysian currency. The territory's postal system was integrated into the British postal network, and its distinct stamp issues ceased upon its federation with Malaya, Sarawak, and Singapore to form Malaysia in 1963.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- Southeast Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1883 – 1963
- Languages:
- English, Malay
- Currency:
- MYR
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
North Borneo stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular North Borneo Stamp Series
Arms Issue (1883-1892)
The inaugural stamp series featuring the coat of arms of the British North Borneo Company, often overprinted with new values.
Pictorial Series (1894-1909)
A popular series depicting local scenes, flora, and fauna, including Mount Kinabalu and native animals.
King George VI Definitives (1939-1950)
A comprehensive definitive series featuring the portrait of King George VI, often with local imagery.
North Borneo Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are generally affordable. Early issues, especially those with rare overprints, errors, or in pristine condition, can fetch significant prices. High-value sets and specific pictorials are also sought after by collectors.
How to Identify North Borneo Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying North Borneo stamps:
- 1 Look for 'NORTH BORNEO' or 'BRITISH NORTH BORNEO' inscriptions.
- 2 Examine the portrait of the reigning British monarch (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI, Elizabeth II) or the British North Borneo Company arms.
- 3 Check for denominations in Straits Settlements currency (cents and dollars) before 1963, and later in Malaysian currency (sen and ringgit) if overprinted for post-1963 use, though primary issues ceased in 1963.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are North Borneo stamps?
North Borneo stamps are postage stamps issued by the British Crown Colony of North Borneo, located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, from 1883 until its integration into Malaysia in 1963. They reflect British colonial administration and local culture.
Are North Borneo stamps valuable?
The value of North Borneo stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from $1 to $20. However, early issues, stamps with rare overprints, errors, or those in mint condition, particularly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, can be quite valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How can I identify North Borneo stamps?
You can identify North Borneo stamps by looking for inscriptions like 'NORTH BORNEO' or 'BRITISH NORTH BORNEO'. They often feature portraits of British monarchs, the British North Borneo Company arms, or local pictorials. Denominations are typically in Straits Settlements currency (cents and dollars). For precise identification and cataloging, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized stamp catalog.
Which catalogs list North Borneo stamps?
North Borneo stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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