West Irian Stamps
West Irian, also known as Western New Guinea, is geographically located in Oceania, forming the western half of the island of New Guinea. Its postal history is complex, transitioning from Dutch colonial administration to Indonesian control, marked by a period of United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) rule.
- Issued stamps
- 1963–1970
- Region
- Oceania, Melanesia
- Currency
- IDR
- Languages
- Indonesian, Dutch, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Indonesia
About West Irian stamps
Stamps issued during this transitional phase often feature Dutch or Indonesian language elements alongside English, reflecting the shifting political landscape. The region's postal separation from the main Indonesian issues occurred during the period of dispute and subsequent integration into the Republic of Indonesia.
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.
- UNTEA
- IRIAN BARAT
- RIAU
How to identify West Irian stamps
- Look for 'UNTEA' overprints on Netherlands New Guinea stamps.
- Identify 'IRIAN BARAT' or 'RIAU' overprints on Indonesian stamps.
- Examine the designs for specific West Irian themes or Indonesian national symbols during the 1963-1970 period.
- Check for bilingual inscriptions (Dutch/Indonesian/English) on some transitional issues.
Popular series
-
UNTEA Overprints
1962-1963
Dutch New Guinea stamps overprinted with 'UNTEA' (United Nations Temporary Executive Authority) and new values, marking the transitional period.
-
Indonesian Overprints
1963
Indonesian stamps overprinted 'IRIAN BARAT' (West Irian) or 'RIAU' (incorrectly, but sometimes found), signifying Indonesian administration.
-
First Indonesian Issues for West Irian
1963-1964
Stamps specifically designed and issued for West Irian by Indonesia, often depicting local themes or national symbols.
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–$500+
Common issues are generally inexpensive. UNTEA overprints and early Indonesian issues, especially those with errors or specific cancellations, can command higher prices. Complete sets and mint condition stamps are more valuable.
Catalogs. West Irian 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 West Irian stamps
West Irian stamps refer to postage stamps issued for the western half of the island of New Guinea during its transitional period from Dutch colonial rule to Indonesian administration, primarily between 1963 and 1970. This includes stamps overprinted by the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) and later by Indonesia, as well as definitive issues specifically for the region.
The value of West Irian stamps varies. Many common issues are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, certain UNTEA overprints, early Indonesian overprints, specific errors, or complete sets in fine condition can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds of dollars. Rarity and condition are key factors in determining value.
To identify West Irian stamps, look for overprints such as 'UNTEA' on former Netherlands New Guinea stamps, or 'IRIAN BARAT' on Indonesian stamps. Later issues will often feature 'IRIAN BARAT' as part of the design. Pay attention to the dates of issue (1963-1970) and the geographical context of the designs. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
West Irian stamps are listed in major international philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under 'West Irian' or 'Indonesia'), the Michel Katalog (under 'Indonesien' with specific sections for West Irian), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (often under 'Indonesia' or 'Netherlands New Guinea' for overprints).
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.