Travancore-Cochin Stamps
Travancore-Cochin was a state in the southwestern region of India, situated on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea. This entity existed briefly following Indian independence, formed by the merger of the princely states of Travancore and Cochin in 1949, before its eventual integration into the larger state of Kerala.
- Issued stamps
- 1949–1950
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- English, Malayalam
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- India
About Travancore-Cochin stamps
Stamps issued during this period primarily featured English alongside Malayalam, the dominant local language. The postal history of this region reflects the transition from the separate administrations of the princely states to a unified Indian postal system following the end of the British Raj.
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.
- TRAVANCORE-COCHIN
How to identify Travancore-Cochin stamps
- Look for 'TRAVANCORE-COCHIN' or 'T.C.' overprints on stamps originally issued by India.
- Stamps will typically feature designs common to early independent India, such as the Ashoka Lion Capital or various Indian landscapes and figures.
Popular series
-
Definitives of India Overprinted
1949-1950
Stamps of India overprinted 'TRAVANCORE-COCHIN' or 'T.C.' were the primary issues, reflecting the transitional period.
-
Service Stamps Overprinted
1949-1950
Official stamps of India overprinted for use by government departments in Travancore-Cochin.
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
- $20–$200+
Common issues are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer varieties include specific overprint errors, plate flaws, or stamps with significant postal history. Mint never hinged condition commands higher prices.
Catalogs. Travancore-Cochin 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 Travancore-Cochin stamps
Travancore-Cochin stamps were issued by the short-lived Indian state of Travancore-Cochin, formed in 1949 from the merger of the princely states of Travancore and Cochin. These stamps were primarily Indian issues overprinted with 'TRAVANCORE-COCHIN' or 'T.C.' for local postal use before the full integration into the Indian postal system.
Most common Travancore-Cochin stamps are not highly valuable, typically ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, certain varieties, such as specific overprint errors, rare cancellations, or stamps in pristine condition, can fetch higher prices, sometimes reaching $20 to over $200.
You can identify Travancore-Cochin stamps by looking for the overprints 'TRAVANCORE-COCHIN' or 'T.C.' on stamps that are clearly Indian in design. The period of issue is very narrow (1949-1950). A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Travancore-Cochin stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. They are typically found under India or a specific section for Indian States/Provinces.
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