Southwest China Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Southwest China Stamps
Southwest China, encompassing provinces like Yunnan and Guizhou on the Asian mainland, has a complex postal history intertwined with the broader narrative of the Republic of China and subsequent People's Republic of China. While not a distinct sovereign postal entity, the region's stamps primarily feature Chinese characters, reflecting the dominant language, though minority languages occasionally appear on local issues or overprints. Postal administration during the early 20th century was subject to central government control, often complicated by periods of warlordism and the Japanese occupation, leading to localized provisional issues. The stamps from this area reflect the vast geographical and ethnic diversity of the region as it integrated into the national postal system.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1949 – 1950
- Languages:
- Chinese, Various Minority Languages (occasional)
- Currency:
- CNY
- Parent issuer:
- Republic of China
Stamp Catalogs
Southwest China stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Southwest China Stamp Series
Southwest China Provisional Issues (1949-1950)
Stamps issued by the Communist administration in Southwest China during the transition period, often overprints on earlier Nationalist issues or local designs.
Local Surcharges on Nationalist Stamps (1949)
Various Nationalist stamps surcharged locally to reflect new postal rates or political control during the civil war.
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Southwest China Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on specific issue, condition, and whether it's an overprint or a unique local design. Provisional issues and rare overprints can fetch higher prices.
How to Identify Southwest China Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Southwest China stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Southwest China' (西南区) or similar Chinese characters in the design or overprint.
- 2 Many issues are overprints on stamps of the Republic of China, so identifying the base stamp is crucial.
- 3 Pay attention to the specific overprint characters and their placement, as variations can exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southwest China stamps?
Southwest China stamps refer to postal issues from the region encompassing provinces like Yunnan and Guizhou, primarily during the transitional period of the Chinese Civil War (1949-1950). These were often provisional issues, overprints on earlier Nationalist stamps, or local designs reflecting the changing political control before the full establishment of the People's Republic of China's postal system.
Are Southwest China stamps valuable?
The value of Southwest China stamps varies significantly. Common issues might be worth a few dollars, while rare provisional issues, specific overprints, or stamps in pristine condition can command prices from $50 to several hundred dollars or more. Rarity, demand, and historical significance play a major role in their philatelic value.
How can I identify Southwest China stamps?
To identify Southwest China stamps, look for Chinese characters indicating 'Southwest China' (西南区) or specific provincial names. Many are overprints on existing Republic of China stamps, so identifying the underlying stamp is key. Pay close attention to the overprint details, as variations are common. Using a stamp identifier app can also help in recognizing these specific issues.
Which catalogs list Southwest China stamps?
Major stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons all list stamps from Southwest China, typically under the broader 'China (People's Republic)' or 'China - Regional Issues' sections. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, descriptions, and estimated values for various stamps from the region.
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