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.
- Issued stamps
- 1883–1963
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- MYR
- Languages
- English, Malay
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About North Borneo stamps
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.
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.
- NORTH BORNEO
- BRITISH NORTH BORNEO
How to identify North Borneo stamps
- Look for 'NORTH BORNEO' or 'BRITISH NORTH BORNEO' inscriptions.
- Examine the portrait of the reigning British monarch (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI, Elizabeth II) or the British North Borneo Company arms.
- 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.
Popular 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.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Definitives
1954-1963
The final definitive series issued under British colonial rule, featuring Queen Elizabeth II and various local themes.
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+
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.
Catalogs. North Borneo 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 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.
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.
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). A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
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.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.