Selangor Stamps
Selangor is a state located on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, within Southeast Asia. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the British colonial administration of the Malay States, initially operating under the Straits Settlements postal system before gaining distinct issues.
- Issued stamps
- 1878–2018
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- MYR
- Languages
- English, Malay (Jawi script)
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- British Malaya
About Selangor stamps
Stamps from this period predominantly feature English alongside Malay (Jawi script), reflecting the administrative language and local vernacular. Following the formation of the Federation of Malaya and subsequent independence, Selangor's postal services were integrated into the national Malaysian postal system, marking a significant administrative transition in its philatelic record.
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.
- SELANGOR
How to identify Selangor stamps
- Look for 'SELANGOR' or 'S.S.' overprints on Straits Settlements stamps for early issues.
- Examine the central vignette for the tiger head or portraits of Sultans Sulaiman or Hisamuddin Alam Shah.
- Check watermarks (e.g., Crown CC, Multiple Crown CA) and perforations, which are crucial for distinguishing printings and varieties.
- Note the currency denominations, which transitioned from Straits Settlements currency to Malayan dollar.
Popular series
-
Straits Settlements Overprints
1878-1891
Early issues of Selangor used stamps of the Straits Settlements overprinted with 'SELANGOR' or 'S.S.' and a new value, reflecting the initial postal administration.
-
Tiger Head Issues
1891-1900
The first definitive series for Selangor, featuring a tiger's head design, often with various surcharges and color changes.
-
Sultan Sulaiman Definitive Series
1900-1920s
A long-running series depicting Sultan Sulaiman Shah, with numerous printings, watermarks, and color variations, common to many Federated Malay States issues.
-
Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Issues
1935-1957
Definitive series featuring Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah, including issues during the Japanese Occupation and post-war period, often with 'B.M.A.' overprints.
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–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€5,000+
Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer items include early overprints, errors, specific watermarks, and high-value definitives, especially those in fine used condition or on cover. Japanese Occupation issues with specific overprints can also command higher prices.
Catalogs. Selangor 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 Selangor stamps
Selangor stamps are postage stamps issued by the state of Selangor, located on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. They were initially part of the British colonial postal system, using overprinted Straits Settlements stamps, before issuing their own distinct designs. Their postal history spans from 1878 until their integration into the national Malaysian postal system.
The value of Selangor stamps varies significantly. Common issues from later periods are generally inexpensive, often ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, early overprints, specific watermarks, errors, high-value definitives, and stamps on original covers can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of euros, especially in fine condition.
To identify Selangor stamps, look for the inscription 'SELANGOR' or 'S.S.' on early issues, or the state's name alongside the Sultan's portrait on later definitives. Pay attention to the central design (tiger head, Sultan's portrait), watermarks, and perforations. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Selangor stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find detailed information and listings in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Katalog (especially the Übersee-Katalog), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, particularly the volumes covering Malaysia and the Malay States.
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