St. Vincent Stamps
St. Vincent, a volcanic island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, forms part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the West Indies.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1992
- Region
- Americas, Caribbean
- Currency
- XCD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About St. Vincent stamps
As a former British colony, its postal history is deeply rooted in the British Commonwealth, with stamps typically bearing English inscriptions and denominations initially in sterling currency before transitioning to the East Caribbean Dollar. The island achieved self-governance and later independence in 1979, a transition reflected in the evolving sovereignty displayed on its definitive issues. St. Vincent remains a member of the Universal Postal Union, maintaining standard international postal relations.
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. VINCENT
- ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES
How to identify St. Vincent stamps
- Look for 'ST. VINCENT' or 'ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES' (after 1979) as the country name.
- Early issues often feature the British monarch's portrait (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI, Elizabeth II).
- Denominations initially in sterling (pence, shillings, pounds) then in East Caribbean Dollar (cents, dollars) after 1949.
- Watermarks, particularly the 'Starfish' watermark on early issues, are crucial for identification and value.
Popular series
-
Queen Victoria Issues
1861-1902
Early issues featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria, often with the 'Starfish' watermark, reflecting the island's colonial status.
-
King George V Key Plate Issues
1912-1936
Definitive sets featuring the uniform 'Key Plate' design common across many British colonies, with the portrait of King George V.
-
Pictorial Definitive Issues
1938-1970s
Sets featuring local scenes, flora, fauna, and industries, becoming more prominent from the King George VI era onwards, showcasing the island's unique identity.
-
Independence Issues
1979
Special commemorative issues marking St. Vincent's achievement of full independence, often depicting national symbols and leaders.
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
- $0.50–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$5,000+
Early Queen Victoria issues, especially unused or with rare cancellations, can command significant prices. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally more common and affordable, though complete sets in fine condition hold more value. Errors, varieties, and specific overprints are highly sought after.
Catalogs. St. Vincent 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. Vincent stamps
St. Vincent stamps are postage stamps issued by the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent, from its colonial period under British rule starting in 1861, through its self-governance, and up to its independence in 1979. They reflect the island's history, culture, and natural beauty.
The value of St. Vincent stamps varies significantly. Early Queen Victoria issues, particularly those in fine condition, unused, or with rare cancellations, can be quite valuable, ranging from $50 to several thousand dollars. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally more common and affordable, typically ranging from $0.50 to $5, though complete sets or specific varieties can fetch higher prices.
You can identify St. Vincent stamps by looking for the inscription 'ST. VINCENT' or 'ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES' (after 1979). Early stamps feature British monarchs, while later issues depict local scenes, flora, and fauna. Denominations will be in sterling or East Caribbean Dollars. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
St. Vincent stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 6 for Caribbean), the Michel Katalog (Caribbean), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.