Port Arthur and Dairen Stamps
Port Arthur and Dairen, located in Northeast Asia on the Liaodong Peninsula, represent a unique chapter in postal history dominated by shifting international spheres of influence. These territories were administered primarily under Japanese control following the Russo-Japanese War, leading to a complex series of postal arrangements separate from mainland China.
- Issued stamps
- 1946–1950
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Japanese, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- China
History and background
Stamps issued for this region typically feature Japanese script, reflecting the administrative language, alongside denominations in yen or sen. The postal system underwent significant transitions, particularly after World War II, when administration reverted to Chinese authority, marking the end of this distinct philatelic entity.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for Japanese characters (Kanji) on earlier issues, often alongside Chinese characters on later provisional stamps.
- Many issues are overprinted, either on Japanese, Manchukuo, or early Chinese stamps. Examine the underlying stamp carefully.
- Denominations may be in Japanese yen/sen on earlier issues, transitioning to Chinese currency units (e.g., yuan, fen) on later issues.
Popular series
-
Post-War Provisional Issues
1946-1947
Stamps issued immediately after World War II, often overprinted Japanese or Manchukuo stamps, reflecting the transitional period of Chinese reassertion of control.
-
Local Issues of Dairen
1946-1949
Stamps specifically issued for Dairen, often featuring local designs or overprints, used during the Soviet occupation and subsequent Chinese administration.
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
- €50–€500+
The value of Port Arthur and Dairen stamps varies significantly based on the specific issue, condition, and whether they are overprints or definitive issues. Early provisional issues and errors can be quite valuable, especially those with clear postmarks.
Catalogs. Port Arthur and Dairen 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 Port Arthur and Dairen stamps
Port Arthur and Dairen stamps refer to postal issues from the territories of Port Arthur (Lüshun) and Dairen (Dalian) on the Liaodong Peninsula, primarily during the period of Japanese influence and the subsequent post-World War II transition under Soviet and then Chinese administration. These stamps reflect a complex history of occupation and changing sovereignty.
Some Port Arthur and Dairen stamps can be quite valuable, particularly early provisional issues, overprints, and stamps in pristine condition or with significant historical context. Common issues may be more affordable, but rare varieties can fetch hundreds of euros or more. Their value is often tied to their historical significance and scarcity.
To identify Port Arthur and Dairen stamps, look for Japanese script, especially on earlier issues, and later Chinese characters. Many are overprinted on stamps of Japan, Manchukuo, or early China. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Port Arthur and Dairen stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, descriptions, and estimated values for various stamps from this fascinating philatelic entity.
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.