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.
- Issued stamps
- 1865–1897
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- English, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- China
History and background
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.
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.
- SHANGHAI
- LOCAL POST
How to identify them
- Look for 'SHANGHAI' or 'LOCAL POST' inscriptions, often in English and sometimes Chinese characters.
- Examine the designs, which frequently feature dragons or other Chinese motifs, distinct from regular Chinese Empire issues.
- Pay attention to watermarks (if any) and paper types, as these can differentiate printings.
- Check for overprints or surcharges, which are common on later issues and indicate specific postal rates or periods.
Popular 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.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $200–$5,000+
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.
Catalogs. Shanghai Local Post 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 Shanghai Local Post 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.
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.
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. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
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.
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