Transvaal Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Transvaal Stamps
Transvaal, officially the South African Republic, was a landlocked Boer republic located in Southern Africa. Its postal history spans periods of independence, British annexation following the First Boer War, and eventual incorporation into the Union of South Africa, with stamps often reflecting its complex political status. Issues from the late 19th and early 20th centuries frequently feature Dutch and English, reflecting the dominant languages of the territory. The stamps of Transvaal provide a rich record of the region's transition from independent republic to a province within the larger South African dominion.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Southern Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1877 – 1905
- Languages:
- Dutch, English
- Currency:
- ZAR
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Stamp Catalogs
Transvaal stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Transvaal Stamp Series
Queen Victoria Issues (1877-1900)
Stamps issued during the British annexation, featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria, often overprinted with 'V.R.I.' or 'Transvaal'.
South African Republic Issues (1869-1877, 1883-1900)
Stamps issued by the independent Boer republic, often featuring the coat of arms or allegorical figures, sometimes with 'Z.A.R.' (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek) inscription.
King Edward VII Issues (1902-1905)
Stamps issued after the Second Boer War, featuring King Edward VII, marking the final period before the formation of the Union of South Africa.
Transvaal Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common Transvaal stamps are generally affordable, especially those from the British administration. Rarer issues include early Z.A.R. stamps, specific overprints, and errors, which can fetch significant prices. Condition plays a crucial role in value.
How to Identify Transvaal Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Transvaal stamps:
- 1 Look for 'TRANSVAAL' or 'Z.A.R.' (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek) inscriptions.
- 2 Identify the monarch (Queen Victoria, King Edward VII) or the coat of arms for dating.
- 3 Pay attention to overprints like 'V.R.I.' or 'E.R.I.' which indicate British administration periods.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Transvaal stamps?
Transvaal stamps were issued by the South African Republic (Z.A.R.) and later by the British administration in the territory of Transvaal, a landlocked Boer republic in Southern Africa, from 1877 until its incorporation into the Union of South Africa in 1910.
Are Transvaal stamps valuable?
The value of Transvaal stamps varies widely. Many common issues are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $5 to $50. However, early Z.A.R. issues, stamps with specific overprints, errors, or those in pristine condition can be quite valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How can I identify Transvaal stamps?
To identify Transvaal stamps, look for inscriptions such as 'TRANSVAAL' or 'Z.A.R.' (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek). Key features include portraits of Queen Victoria or King Edward VII, or the republic's coat of arms. Overprints like 'V.R.I.' or 'E.R.I.' are also important identifiers. For precise identification and valuation, consider using a stamp identifier app.
Which catalogs list Transvaal stamps?
Transvaal stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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