Portuguese India Stamps
Portuguese India, situated on the western coast of the Indian subcontinent, comprised several distinct territories including Goa, Daman, and Diu. As a long-standing colony of Portugal, its postal system was administered by the Portuguese Ministry of Overseas Territories, issuing stamps denominated in Portuguese currency until the territory's integration into India in 1961.
- Issued stamps
- 1871–1962
- Region
- Asia, Southern Asia
- Currency
- PTE
- Languages
- Portuguese, Konkani, Marathi, Gujarati
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Portuguese India stamps
Stamps from this region predominantly feature Portuguese inscriptions, often alongside local language elements, reflecting the colonial administration's linguistic policies. The postal history is marked by the transition from a long colonial presence to its eventual incorporation into the Republic of India, leading to the cessation of Portuguese India's separate postal issues.
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.
- INDIA PORTUGUEZA
- ESTADO DA INDIA
- REPUBLICA
How to identify Portuguese India stamps
- Look for 'INDIA PORTUGUEZA' or 'ESTADO DA INDIA' inscriptions.
- Stamps are typically denominated in Reis, Tanga, or Rupias (Rupees) before 1959, and then Escudos.
- Many stamps feature Portuguese royal or republican emblems, or local Indian imagery.
- Check for overprints, especially 'REPUBLICA' or surcharges, which are common on earlier issues.
Popular series
-
Crown Issue
1871-1876
The first stamps of Portuguese India, featuring the Portuguese Crown emblem, often found with various overprints and surcharges.
-
Vasco da Gama Commemorative
1898
Issued to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's arrival in India, these stamps are highly sought after for their historical significance and artistic design.
-
Republica Issue
1910-1912
Following the establishment of the Portuguese Republic, stamps were overprinted 'REPUBLICA' or new designs were issued, marking a political transition.
-
Definitives with Local Views
Early 20th Century
A series of definitive stamps depicting local scenes, monuments, and cultural aspects of Portuguese India, offering a glimpse into the colonial landscape.
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–$10
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$5,000+
Common stamps are generally affordable, especially later issues. Early issues, particularly the first Crown issues with specific cancellations or errors, and certain commemorative sets (like Vasco da Gama), can fetch significant prices. Condition plays a crucial role in value.
Catalogs. Portuguese India 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 Portuguese India stamps
Portuguese India stamps were issued by the Portuguese colonial administration for use in its territories on the Indian subcontinent, including Goa, Daman, and Diu, from 1871 until their integration into India in 1961.
The value of Portuguese India stamps varies widely. While many common issues are inexpensive, early stamps, particularly the first Crown issues, commemorative sets like the Vasco da Gama series, and stamps with rare overprints or errors, can be quite valuable, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
You can identify Portuguese India stamps by looking for inscriptions such as 'INDIA PORTUGUEZA' or 'ESTADO DA INDIA'. They often feature Portuguese national symbols or local Indian motifs. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Portuguese India stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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.