Isle of Man Regional Definitives Stamps
The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency situated in the Irish Sea, geographically part of Northwestern Europe. As a Crown Dependency, its postal history is distinct from the United Kingdom, although it maintains close ties, and the island has issued its own definitive stamps for many decades.
- Issued stamps
- 1958–1971
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English, Manx
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
Stamps typically feature English text alongside the island's unique heraldry and often reflect its Celtic heritage. The island's postal administration operates independently, having joined the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1961, solidifying its autonomous status in international mail.
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.
- ISLE OF MAN
- ELLAN VANNIN
- POSTAGE
- REVENUE
How to identify them
- Look for 'ISLE OF MAN' or 'ELLAN VANNIN' (Manx for Isle of Man) as part of the inscription.
- Stamps typically feature the Triskelion (three-legged symbol) and the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
- The stamps will often have 'POSTAGE' or 'REVENUE' and a denomination in pre-decimal (d, s) or early decimal (p) currency.
Popular series
-
Queen Elizabeth II Regional Definitives
1958-1971
The initial series of regional definitives for the Isle of Man, featuring the Machin head of Queen Elizabeth II alongside local symbols like the Triskelion.
-
Triskelion and Manx Cat Issues
1960s
Stamps within the regional definitive period that prominently featured the iconic three-legged Triskelion symbol and sometimes the distinctive Manx cat.
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
- £0.10–£2
- Scarce stamps
- £10–£100+
Common regional definitives are readily available and inexpensive. Higher values and specific printings, especially those in mint condition or on cover, can fetch higher prices. Errors or varieties are rare and significantly more valuable.
Catalogs. Isle of Man Regional Definitives 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 Isle of Man Regional Definitives stamps
Isle of Man Regional Definitives are postage stamps issued specifically for use on the Isle of Man between 1958 and 1971, while the island was still using British stamps but with a distinct regional design. They featured the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II along with local Manx symbols, distinguishing them from general British stamps.
Most common Isle of Man Regional Definitives are not highly valuable, often trading for under a few pounds. However, certain higher denominations, specific printings, plate flaws, or stamps in pristine condition (especially mint never hinged) can be more valuable. Rarer varieties or errors can command significant prices, sometimes over £100.
To identify Isle of Man Regional Definitives, look for the inscription 'ISLE OF MAN' or 'ELLAN VANNIN' in addition to the Queen's head and the Triskelion symbol. These stamps were issued before the Isle of Man gained full postal independence in 1973. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Isle of Man Regional Definitives are comprehensively listed in major stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Concise Catalogue, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under Great Britain Regional Issues), and the Michel Europa-Katalog (Westeuropa).
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