Poonch Stamps
Poonch was a princely state located in the western Himalayas, geographically situated in the Kashmir region of South Asia. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the British Raj, as it was one of the states under the paramountcy of the British Indian Empire, issuing its own distinctive provisional stamps primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Issued stamps
- 1876–1888
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Urdu, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Poonch stamps
The stamps generally featured Urdu, the official language of the state administration, alongside English. Following the partition of India in 1947, Poonch experienced significant administrative division, leading to the cessation of its independent postal issues as its territory was divided between India and Pakistan.
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.
- POONCH
- POONCH STATE
How to identify Poonch stamps
- Look for handstamped overprints on Indian revenue stamps (early issues).
- Later issues feature 'POONCH' or 'POONCH STATE' in Urdu script, sometimes with English.
- Examine the paper and printing method for authenticity, as many forgeries exist.
- Check for watermarks (if any) and perforations, though many early issues are imperforate.
Popular series
-
First Provisional Issue
1876
Handstamped issues on Indian revenue stamps, often crude and highly sought after for their rarity and historical significance.
-
Second Provisional Issue
1878-1879
More refined handstamps on Indian revenue stamps, featuring different designs and colors, still very scarce.
-
Official Issues
1880s
Stamps specifically printed for Poonch, featuring inscriptions in Urdu and sometimes English, showing the state's name.
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
- $50–$200
- Scarce stamps
- $500–$5,000+
Poonch stamps are generally scarce due to their provisional nature and limited usage. Early handstamped issues, especially on cover, command significant premiums. Condition, clear strikes, and genuine usage are critical factors for value. Forgeries are known, so expertization is often recommended for higher-value items.
Catalogs. Poonch 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 Poonch stamps
Poonch stamps are provisional postal issues from the princely state of Poonch, located in the Kashmir region of British India. These stamps were primarily used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before the state's postal system was fully integrated or dissolved.
Yes, Poonch stamps can be quite valuable, especially the early handstamped provisional issues. Their rarity, historical context, and the limited period of their use contribute to their high demand among collectors of Indian States philately. Prices can range from tens to thousands of dollars, depending on the specific issue, condition, and whether they are on cover.
To identify Poonch stamps, look for handstamped overprints on Indian revenue stamps for the earliest issues. Later issues will typically have 'POONCH' or the state's name in Urdu script, sometimes accompanied by English. Pay close attention to the design, color, and any inscriptions. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Poonch stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under 'Indian States - Poonch'), Michel (under 'Indien - Fürstenstaaten - Poonch'), and Stanley Gibbons (under 'Indian Native States - Poonch'). These catalogs provide detailed listings, descriptions, and estimated values for the various issues.
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