Shanghai Local Post Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Shanghai Local Post Stamps
Shanghai, a major port city on the eastern coast of China, holds a unique position in global postal history due to its status as a treaty port. Following the Opium Wars, the city was divided into international concessions, leading to the issuance of stamps by various foreign powers, including Great Britain, France, and the United States, often overprinted on their own national issues. The postal services within these concessions operated separately from the general Chinese postal system until the retrocession of the International Settlement in 1943. Consequently, Shanghai's philatelic record is characterized by a complex mix of Chinese, concession-specific, and foreign-language surcharges, reflecting its distinct political and administrative history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1865 – 1897
- Languages:
- English, Chinese
- Currency:
- CNY
- Parent issuer:
- China
Stamp Catalogs
Shanghai Local Post stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Shanghai Local Post Stamp Series
Large Dragons (Local Post) (1865-1867)
The first issues, featuring a dragon design, printed locally and used for mail within Shanghai and to foreign destinations.
Small Dragons (Local Post) (1867-1877)
Smaller format dragon designs, often with various printings and shades, reflecting continued local postal operations.
Surcharged Issues (1893-1897)
Stamps of the Shanghai Local Post overprinted with new values, often in Chinese currency, reflecting changes in postal rates.
Shanghai Local Post Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common Shanghai local post stamps are relatively affordable, but rare varieties, errors, and early issues, especially those on cover, can fetch significant prices. Condition and specific printings are crucial for valuation.
How to Identify Shanghai Local Post Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Shanghai Local Post stamps:
- 1 Look for 'SHANGHAI' or 'LOCAL POST' inscriptions, often in English and sometimes Chinese characters.
- 2 Examine the designs, which frequently feature dragons or other Chinese motifs, distinct from regular Chinese Empire issues.
- 3 Pay attention to watermarks (if any) and paper types, as these can differentiate printings.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Shanghai stamps?
Shanghai stamps refer to the issues of the Shanghai Local Post, which operated independently in the International Settlement of Shanghai from 1865 to 1897. These stamps were used for local mail and international correspondence originating from the foreign concessions, distinct from the general Chinese postal system.
Are Shanghai stamps valuable?
The value of Shanghai stamps varies widely. Common issues can be quite inexpensive, while early issues, rare varieties, errors, and stamps on original covers can be highly valuable, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars. Factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance play a major role in their worth.
How can I identify Shanghai stamps?
To identify Shanghai stamps, look for clear 'SHANGHAI' or 'LOCAL POST' inscriptions, often in English. Familiarize yourself with the distinct dragon designs and later surcharged issues. A stamp identifier app can be a valuable tool, allowing you to photograph your stamp and receive instant identification and catalog information.
Which catalogs list Shanghai stamps?
Shanghai local post stamps are extensively listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, printings, and estimated values, essential for serious collectors.
Not sure if your stamp is from Shanghai Local Post?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store