Singapore Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Singapore Stamps
Singapore is an island city-state located in Maritime Southeast Asia, strategically positioned near the Strait of Malacca. Its postal history is deeply rooted in its status as a British Crown Colony and a key hub of the Straits Settlements, leading to early issues under British colonial administration. Stamps predominantly feature English, reflecting its primary language of commerce, alongside Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Following its separation from Malaysia in 1965, Singapore established its own independent postal authority, marking a significant transition in its philatelic identity.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- Southeast Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1948 – present
- Languages:
- English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
- Currency:
- SGD
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Stamp Catalogs
Singapore stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Singapore Stamp Series
Definitives (King George VI) (1948-1952)
The first definitive series issued for Singapore after its establishment as a separate Crown Colony, featuring King George VI.
Definitives (Queen Elizabeth II) (1955-1967)
A long-running definitive series featuring Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting Singapore's continued ties to the British Commonwealth before full independence.
Orchids Definitives (1962-1970s)
One of Singapore's most iconic and beautiful definitive series, showcasing various orchid species, which are a national symbol.
Singapore Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues from the Straits Settlements period and the first Singapore Crown Colony issues can be quite valuable, especially in mint condition or with rare cancellations. Later modern issues are generally affordable, with higher values for complete sets, errors, or specific commemorative issues.
How to Identify Singapore Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Singapore stamps:
- 1 Look for 'SINGAPORE' clearly printed on the stamp.
- 2 Early issues (1948-1960s) often feature British monarchs (George VI, Elizabeth II).
- 3 Post-independence stamps (from 1965 onwards) frequently depict local flora, fauna, cultural scenes, and national landmarks.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Singapore stamps?
Singapore stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal authority of Singapore, an island city-state in Southeast Asia. They reflect its history as a British Crown Colony, part of the Straits Settlements, and its independent status since 1965.
Are Singapore stamps valuable?
The value of Singapore stamps varies significantly. Early issues from the Straits Settlements and the initial Crown Colony period (1948-1960s) can be quite valuable, especially rare varieties, errors, or high-denomination stamps in fine condition. More modern commemorative and definitive issues are generally affordable, but complete sets or specific thematic collections can hold good value. Rare stamps can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How can I identify Singapore stamps?
You can identify Singapore stamps by looking for the country name 'SINGAPORE' printed on them. Early issues often feature British monarchs, while later stamps showcase local themes like orchids, wildlife, architecture, and cultural events. For precise identification, including watermarks, perforations, and print variations, a stamp identifier app can be very helpful, along with specialized stamp catalogs.
Which catalogs list Singapore stamps?
Singapore stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel (especially for Asian issues), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, which is particularly strong for early colonial issues.
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