Regional Definitives Wales Stamps
Regional Definitives Wales refers to a specific set of postage stamps issued by the United Kingdom for use within Wales, a constituent country of Great Britain in Northwestern Europe. These issues are part of the broader UK postal system, reflecting its history within the British Empire and its current status as a member of the Universal Postal Union.
- Issued stamps
- 1958–present
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English, Welsh
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
- Part of
- Great Britain
History and background
The stamps are notable for featuring the Welsh language alongside English, often incorporating Welsh cultural symbols or landmarks. This regional designation highlights the administrative devolution of postal services within the UK, distinguishing these issues from general Great Britain or Northern Ireland definitive series.
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.
- CYMRU
- WALES
- POSTAGE
- ROYAL MAIL
How to identify them
- Look for the country name 'CYMRU' (Welsh for Wales) or 'WALES' alongside 'POSTAGE' or 'ROYAL MAIL'.
- Identify the Welsh Dragon or other specific Welsh emblems (e.g., leek, daffodil) incorporated into the design.
- Check for bilingual inscriptions (English and Welsh) for the denomination and sometimes the country name.
- Note the monarch's portrait (e.g., Wilding or Machin head) which places the stamp within a specific era.
Popular series
-
Machin Definitives (Regional)
1971-Present
The iconic Machin head design adapted for regional issues, featuring Welsh emblems and bilingual inscriptions.
-
Wilding Definitives (Regional)
1958-1971
Early regional definitives featuring the Dorothy Wilding portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, with Welsh symbols and bilingual text.
-
Pictorial Definitives
Occasional issues
Stamps featuring specific Welsh landmarks, cultural symbols, or significant events, often alongside the monarch's effigy.
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–£5
- Scarce stamps
- £20–£200+
Most common regional definitives are inexpensive. Errors, varieties (e.g., phosphor bands, paper types), and early printings in mint condition can command higher prices. First day covers and presentation packs also hold collector interest.
Catalogs. Regional Definitives Wales 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 Regional Definitives Wales stamps
Regional Definitives Wales stamps are postage stamps issued by the United Kingdom specifically for use within Wales. They are distinguished by their inclusion of Welsh language, cultural symbols, and often the word 'CYMRU' (Wales) alongside the standard British postal indicators.
Most common Regional Definitives Wales stamps are not highly valuable, typically ranging from a few pence to a few pounds. However, certain varieties, errors, early issues, or stamps in pristine condition (especially mint never hinged) can fetch higher prices, sometimes reaching hundreds of pounds. Their value depends on rarity, condition, and collector demand.
You can identify Regional Definitives Wales stamps by looking for the word 'CYMRU' or 'WALES' on the stamp, often alongside the monarch's portrait. They frequently feature Welsh national symbols like the Welsh Dragon, leek, or daffodil, and include bilingual English and Welsh text. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Regional Definitives Wales stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Concise Catalogue, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under Great Britain), and the Michel Europa-Katalog (under Great Britain).
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