Tibet Chinese Post Stamps
Tibet, situated on the high-altitude plateau of Central Asia, has a complex postal history reflecting its unique geopolitical status. While historically operating as an independent entity with its own postal system, stamps issued under the designation "Tibet Chinese Post" signify periods of administrative control or incorporation by the People's Republic of China.
- Issued stamps
- 1911–1911
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Tibetan, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- China (People's Republic)
About Tibet Chinese Post stamps
Issues from this period typically feature Chinese characters alongside Tibetan script, reflecting the official linguistic environment of the region under Chinese authority. The transition from independent postal service to integration within the Chinese postal network marks the most significant administrative shift affecting stamp issuance for this territory.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Tibet Chinese Post stamps
- Look for original Tibetan stamps (e.g., 'Lion and Snow Mountain' design) with clear Chinese character overprints.
- Verify the overprint text and value, as forgeries and unauthorized issues exist.
- Note the year of issue, which is exclusively 1911 for these specific issues.
Popular series
-
Provisional Surcharges
1911
Stamps of Tibet overprinted with Chinese characters and new values, reflecting the transitional period of Chinese influence.
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
- $100–$1,000+
The 'Tibet Chinese Post' issues are generally scarce due to their limited period of use and specific political context. Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint, and rarity of the underlying Tibetan stamp.
Catalogs. Tibet Chinese 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 Tibet Chinese Post stamps
Tibet Chinese Post stamps refer to a specific, short-lived issue from 1911 where existing stamps of independent Tibet were overprinted with Chinese characters and new values, signifying a period of Chinese administrative influence or control over the Tibetan postal system.
Yes, Tibet Chinese Post stamps can be quite valuable due to their historical significance, rarity, and the limited period of their issuance. Common examples might fetch $5-$50, while rare varieties or those in pristine condition can command hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
To identify Tibet Chinese Post stamps, look for the distinctive designs of early Tibetan stamps (like the 'Lion and Snow Mountain' emblem) that bear additional overprints in Chinese characters, often indicating new denominations. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Tibet Chinese Post stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including catalog numbers, descriptions, and estimated values for various issues and varieties.
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.