Tsingtau Stamps
Tsingtau, or Qingdao, was a significant German concession located on the Shandong Peninsula in East Asia. Its postal history is defined by its status as a leased territory under the German Empire until its capture by Japan during World War I.
- Issued stamps
- 1898–1914
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- German Mark (M)
- Languages
- German, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- German Empire
About Tsingtau stamps
Stamps issued for Tsingtau primarily featured German language inscriptions, often overprinted on German colonial issues, reflecting its administration by the German Empire before its transfer to Japanese control. This territory's unique postal administration ceased following the Treaty of Versailles, marking a distinct, short-lived period in East Asian postal history.
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.
- KIAUTSCHOU
- TSINGTAU
How to identify Tsingtau stamps
- Look for the 'KIAUTSCHOU' or 'TSINGTAU' overprint, typically in German Fraktur script, on stamps of the German Empire.
- Examine the underlying design, which is usually the 'Yacht' series (Kaiserliche Yacht Hohenzollern) or earlier German definitive issues.
- Check for cancellations from Tsingtau post offices, often in German.
Popular series
-
Yacht Issue
1900-1914
German colonial stamps featuring the Imperial Yacht 'Hohenzollern', overprinted 'Kiautschou' or 'Tsingtau'.
-
Provisional Issues
1900
Early provisional issues, often German stamps overprinted for local use.
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–€5,000+
Stamps from Tsingtau, especially the 'Yacht' issues with the 'Kiautschou' overprint, are highly sought after by collectors of German colonial philately. Rarity is often determined by specific overprint varieties, cancellations, and condition. Early provisional issues and covers can command significant premiums.
Catalogs. Tsingtau 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 Tsingtau stamps
Tsingtau stamps are postage stamps issued for the German leased territory of Kiautschou (Tsingtau) in China, primarily between 1898 and 1914. They are typically German Empire stamps overprinted with 'KIAUTSCHOU' or 'TSINGTAU'.
Yes, many Tsingtau stamps are valuable, especially those in good condition, with rare overprint varieties, or on original covers. Their historical significance as German colonial issues in China contributes to their desirability among collectors. Common examples might range from €5-€50, while rare varieties can fetch thousands of euros.
To identify Tsingtau stamps, look for the distinctive 'KIAUTSCHOU' or 'TSINGTAU' overprint on German Empire stamps, most commonly the 'Yacht' series. Pay attention to the font and placement of the overprint. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Tsingtau stamps are extensively listed in major stamp catalogs, including Scott (under German Colonies), Michel (Germany and Colonies), and Stanley Gibbons (Germany and Colonies). These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, issue dates, and current market values.
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