Wuhu Stamps
Wuhu, a city located in Anhui Province in eastern China, did not issue stamps under its own authority but was significant within the context of treaty ports and foreign postal agencies in late 19th and early 20th century China. During this period, foreign powers, including Great Britain, maintained postal services in treaty ports, often using stamps overprinted for use in China or stamps of the administering power.
- Issued stamps
- 1895–1897
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Chinese, English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- China
About Wuhu stamps
The postal history of Wuhu is therefore intertwined with the broader narrative of extraterritoriality and the eventual consolidation of postal services under the Republic of China. Stamps related to Wuhu would typically feature Chinese characters alongside denominations in the prevailing currency system of the time.
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.
- WUHU
- CHINA
How to identify Wuhu stamps
- Look for stamps of Great Britain or the Chinese Empire with clear cancellation marks indicating 'WUHU' (often in English and/or Chinese characters).
- Examine overprints carefully; British stamps used in China will have 'CHINA' overprints.
- Pay attention to the specific design of the Chinese characters in the cancellation, as these can help pinpoint the exact postal agency and period.
Popular series
-
British Post Offices in China Overprints
c. 1894-1922
Stamps of Great Britain overprinted 'CHINA' for use in British postal agencies, including Wuhu. These are often identified by specific cancellation marks.
-
Imperial Chinese Post Stamps (Used in Wuhu)
c. 1897-1912
Stamps of the Imperial Chinese Post, often featuring dragons or other imperial symbols, used in Wuhu after the establishment of the Chinese Imperial Post Office there.
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
- $200–$5,000+
The value of stamps related to Wuhu largely depends on the specific foreign postal agency (e.g., British), the stamp's condition, and the clarity and rarity of the cancellation mark indicating Wuhu. Early British overprints with Wuhu cancels are generally more valuable.
Catalogs. Wuhu 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 Wuhu stamps
Wuhu, a city in Anhui Province, China, did not issue its own stamps. Instead, 'Wuhu stamps' refer to stamps used in foreign postal agencies operating in Wuhu, primarily British, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These were typically stamps of the administering power (e.g., Great Britain) overprinted for use in China, or later, stamps of the Imperial Chinese Post used in Wuhu.
Yes, stamps used in Wuhu can be valuable, especially early British stamps overprinted 'CHINA' with clear Wuhu cancellations. Rarity is often tied to the specific overprint, the condition of the stamp, and the legibility and type of the Wuhu postmark. Prices can range from a few dollars for common examples to several thousands for rare varieties.
To identify Wuhu stamps, look for stamps of Great Britain or the Chinese Empire bearing cancellation marks that clearly indicate 'WUHU' (often in English and/or Chinese characters). British stamps will typically have a 'CHINA' overprint. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Stamps used in Wuhu are typically listed in major philatelic catalogs under 'British Post Offices in China' (for British issues) or 'China' (for Imperial Chinese Post issues). Key catalogs include Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, which provide detailed listings and valuations for these stamps, often noting specific cancellation types.
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.