Patiala Stamps
Patiala was a princely state located in the Punjab region of North India, operating under the umbrella of the British Raj until Indian Independence in 1947. The state maintained its own postal system, issuing distinctive stamps often denominated in Indian currency units, which typically featured Urdu, Hindi, or English inscriptions.
- Issued stamps
- 1884–1912
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Urdu, Hindi, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Patiala stamps
Following the integration of the princely states, Patiala's postal administration was absorbed into the Indian postal network, ending its separate philatelic history.
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.
- PATIALA
- PATIALA STATE
- SERVICE
- S.P.S.
How to identify Patiala stamps
- Look for the name 'PATIALA' or 'PATIALA STATE' in English, Urdu, or Hindi script.
- Many stamps feature portraits of the ruling Maharajas (Rajinder Singh or Bhupinder Singh).
- Denominations are typically in annas and rupees, consistent with British Indian currency.
- Official stamps are often overprinted 'SERVICE' or 'S.P.S.' (Service Patiala State).
Popular series
-
Official Stamps
1884-1912
Stamps overprinted 'SERVICE' for official use, often featuring the portrait of Maharaja Rajinder Singh or Maharaja Bhupinder Singh.
-
Maharaja Rajinder Singh Issues
1884-1900
Early issues depicting Maharaja Rajinder Singh, often with Urdu inscriptions and British Indian currency denominations.
-
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Issues
1900-1912
Later issues featuring Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, continuing the tradition of local designs and British Indian currency.
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–$10
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common Patiala stamps are relatively inexpensive. Rarer varieties, such as errors, unissued stamps, or high-denomination official stamps, can fetch significant prices. Condition plays a crucial role in value.
Catalogs. Patiala 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 Patiala stamps
Patiala stamps are postage stamps issued by the princely state of Patiala, located in the Punjab region of British India, between 1884 and 1912. They were used for postal services within the state before its postal system was integrated into British Indian Post.
The value of Patiala stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few dollars, while rarer varieties, such as certain official stamps, errors, or high-denomination examples in fine condition, can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of dollars or more.
You can identify Patiala stamps by looking for the state's name in English, Urdu, or Hindi, and by the portraits of its Maharajas. Denominations are in annas and rupees. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Patiala stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (often under 'Indian States'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons (specifically in their Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalog).
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