Penang (Pulau Pinang) Stamps
Penang, or Pulau Pinang, is an island state located in Southeast Asia, forming part of modern-day Malaysia. Historically, it was a vital trading port and one of the Straits Settlements, administered by the British Empire, which heavily influenced its early postal system.
- Issued stamps
- 1948–2018
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- MYR
- Languages
- English, Malay
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Malaysia
History and background
Stamps issued during the colonial era primarily featured English text alongside British imperial iconography, reflecting its status within the British postal network. Following the formation of Malaysia, Penang's postal administration was integrated into the national system, with stamps subsequently featuring Malay (Bahasa Melayu) as the primary language of issue.
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.
- PENANG
- PULAU PINANG
- MALAYSIA
- PERSEKUTUAN TANAH MELAYU
How to identify them
- Look for 'PENANG' or 'PULAU PINANG' explicitly printed on the stamp.
- Early issues (1948-1957) will feature British monarchs (George VI, Elizabeth II).
- Later issues (post-1957) will often include the state crest or local landmarks and may have 'MALAYSIA' or 'PERSEKUTUAN TANAH MELAYU' (Federation of Malaya) alongside 'PENANG'.
Popular series
-
King George VI Definitives
1948-1952
The first definitive series issued specifically for Penang after the dissolution of the Straits Settlements, featuring portraits of King George VI and local scenes.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Definitives
1954-1957
Following the accession of Queen Elizabeth II, new definitive stamps were issued for Penang, continuing the tradition of depicting the monarch and local motifs.
-
State Crest and Local Scenes
1960s
Stamps issued after independence, often featuring the Penang state crest, local landmarks, and cultural elements, reflecting its status within the Malayan Federation.
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–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common Penang stamps from the post-WWII era are generally affordable. Earlier colonial issues, especially those from the Straits Settlements overprinted for Penang, and certain errors or high values, can command significant prices. Condition is paramount for value.
Catalogs. Penang (Pulau Pinang) 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 Penang (Pulau Pinang) stamps
Penang (Pulau Pinang) stamps refer to postage stamps issued specifically for the island state of Penang, which is now part of Malaysia. These stamps were issued from 1948, following the dissolution of the Straits Settlements, until its postal integration into the national Malaysian system. Earlier issues under the Straits Settlements also served Penang.
The value of Penang stamps varies widely. Common post-1948 definitive issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, certain earlier colonial issues, particularly those overprinted from Straits Settlements stamps, high-denomination stamps, or stamps with errors, can be quite valuable, fetching $50 to several hundred dollars or more. Rarity, condition, and demand play significant roles in determining value.
Penang stamps can be identified by the explicit inscription 'PENANG' or 'PULAU PINANG' on the stamp. Early issues will feature British monarchs, while later issues will often include the state crest or local landmarks. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Penang (Pulau Pinang) stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under 'Penang' or 'Malaysia'), the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue, and the Michel Ostasien (East Asia) catalog. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, denominations, and estimated values.
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