Orchha Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Orchha (Princely State) Stamps
Orchha is a historical princely state located in the Bundelkhand region of Central India. As a native state under the British Raj, its postal history is characterized by the issuance of its own provisional stamps, often denominated in Indian annas, before integration into the British Indian postal system. The language prominently featured on these issues is typically Hindi or English, reflecting the administrative environment of the era. Orchha's distinct postal issues ceased following the political integration of the princely states into the Dominion of India after 1947.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1913 – 1939
- Languages:
- Hindi, English
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- British India
Stamp Catalogs
Orchha (Princely State) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Orchha (Princely State) Stamp Series
Provisional Issues (1913-1939)
Stamps overprinted or surcharged with 'ORCHHA STATE' or similar, often on British Indian or Gwalior stamps, reflecting local postal needs.
King George V Issues (1913-1936)
Provisional issues featuring the portrait of King George V, often surcharged with Orchha denominations.
King George VI Issues (1937-1939)
Later provisional issues featuring the portrait of King George VI, marking the final period of Orchha's postal independence.
Orchha (Princely State) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Orchha stamps varies significantly based on the specific provisional issue, the base stamp used, the type of overprint/surcharge, condition, and rarity. Early provisional issues and those with scarce overprint varieties tend to be more valuable. Forgeries and fakes are known, so expert authentication is recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Orchha (Princely State) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Orchha (Princely State) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'ORCHHA STATE' or similar inscriptions, often in both English and Hindi (Devanagari script), surcharged or overprinted on existing stamps.
- 2 Examine the base stamp carefully; many Orchha provisionals were created by overprinting stamps of British India or other princely states like Gwalior.
- 3 Pay attention to the denomination, which is typically in annas and rupees, and how it relates to the original stamp's denomination.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Orchha stamps?
Orchha stamps are provisional postage stamps issued by the princely state of Orchha in Central India between 1913 and 1939. These were typically existing stamps (often British Indian or Gwalior issues) overprinted or surcharged with 'ORCHHA STATE' or similar inscriptions to serve local postal needs before the state's full integration into the British Indian postal system.
Are Orchha stamps valuable?
The value of Orchha stamps can range from a few euros for common provisional issues to several hundred or even thousands of euros for rare varieties, particularly those with scarce overprints, specific base stamps, or in pristine condition. Factors like the type of overprint, the base stamp, and condition significantly influence their market value.
How can I identify Orchha stamps?
You can identify Orchha stamps by looking for the 'ORCHHA STATE' overprint or surcharge, often in both English and Hindi, on stamps that may originally be from British India or other native states. Checking philatelic catalogs and using a stamp identifier app can help confirm authenticity and specific varieties.
Which catalogs list Orchha stamps?
Orchha stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, their characteristics, and estimated values.
Not sure if your stamp is from Orchha (Princely State)?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store