St. Christopher Stamps
St. Christopher, officially known as Saint Kitts, is a dual-island nation located in the Caribbean region of North America.
- Issued stamps
- 1870–1890
- Region
- Americas, Caribbean
- Currency
- XCD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Great Britain
About St. Christopher stamps
As a former British colony, its postal history is deeply rooted in the British postal system, with stamps frequently bearing the name of the colony or the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The primary language appearing on its postal issues is English, reflecting its colonial heritage. The country transitioned from colonial rule to independence in 1983, marking a significant shift in its postal administration and the eventual creation of the independent nation's definitive issues.
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.
- ST. CHRISTOPHER
How to identify St. Christopher stamps
- Look for 'ST. CHRISTOPHER' prominently displayed on the stamp.
- Early issues almost exclusively feature the portrait of Queen Victoria.
- Pay attention to watermarks (e.g., Crown CC, Crown CA) which are crucial for identification and value.
- Check for overprints or surcharges, which can significantly alter a stamp's catalog number and value.
Popular series
-
Queen Victoria Issues
1870-1888
Early issues featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria, often with the 'ST. CHRISTOPHER' inscription.
-
Surcharged Issues
1882-1888
Stamps overprinted with new values to meet postal rate changes.
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+
Early St. Christopher stamps, especially those in good condition or with rare cancellations, can be quite valuable. Surcharged issues and specific color varieties are also sought after. Later issues, particularly those from the Leeward Islands federation period, are generally more common.
Catalogs. St. Christopher 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 St. Christopher stamps
St. Christopher stamps refer to the postal issues of the British colony of St. Christopher (now Saint Kitts) from 1870 to 1890, before it became part of the Leeward Islands federation for postal purposes. These stamps typically feature Queen Victoria and bear the colony's name.
Yes, many St. Christopher stamps can be valuable, especially the early Queen Victoria issues, rare color varieties, and stamps with significant overprints or surcharges. Condition, cancellation, and rarity play a major role in their market price, with some rare examples fetching thousands of dollars.
To identify St. Christopher stamps, look for the inscription 'ST. CHRISTOPHER' and the portrait of Queen Victoria. Pay close attention to watermarks, perforations, and any surcharges. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
St. Christopher stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 1), and the Michel Caribbean catalogue.
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