Yunnan Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Yunnan Province (China) Stamps
Yunnan, a province in Southwest China, possesses a complex postal history reflecting its position bordering Southeast Asia and its integration into the broader Chinese postal system. While stamps generally followed the issues of the central Chinese government, the region's remote location and historical minority populations meant local postal administration often adapted to internal political shifts, particularly during the late Qing Dynasty and the Republican era. Issues from this period frequently feature traditional Chinese characters, sometimes alongside regional administrative markings. The area's unique geography and historical autonomy have led to distinct, though often short-lived, local postal experiments before full incorporation into the national postal network.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1926 β 1949
- Languages:
- Chinese
- Currency:
- CNY
- Parent issuer:
- China
Stamp Catalogs
Yunnan Province (China) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Yunnan Province (China) Stamp Series
Local Surcharges on National Issues (1920s-1940s)
Stamps of the Chinese Republic overprinted or surcharged locally in Yunnan, often due to currency fluctuations or postal rate changes.
Provincial Surcharges for Airmail (1930s-1940s)
Specific surcharges applied to national airmail stamps for use within Yunnan, reflecting regional postal administration.
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Yunnan Province (China) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the underlying national issue. Early surcharges and those with unique regional markings tend to be more valuable.
How to Identify Yunnan Province (China) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Yunnan Province (China) stamps:
- 1 Look for Chinese characters indicating 'Yunnan' (δΊε) or specific local post office names as overprints or surcharges on national Chinese stamps.
- 2 Examine the underlying national stamp issue to determine its original design and denomination, which helps contextualize the Yunnan overprint.
- 3 Pay attention to the color and style of the overprint, as variations can indicate different printings or periods of use.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Yunnan stamps?
Yunnan stamps refer to postal issues used in the Yunnan province of China, primarily during the Republican era (1926-1949). These are often national Chinese stamps that were locally overprinted or surcharged for use within Yunnan, reflecting regional postal administration and economic conditions.
Are Yunnan stamps valuable?
Some Yunnan stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprints, specific surcharge varieties, or those in pristine condition. Their value is highly dependent on the specific issue, the rarity of the overprint, and market demand. Common issues may be worth a few dollars, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands.
How can I identify Yunnan stamps?
To identify Yunnan stamps, look for overprints or surcharges on stamps of the Chinese Republic that include Chinese characters for 'Yunnan' (δΊε) or other regional postal markings. Comparing them with catalog listings for Chinese provincial issues is crucial. A stamp identifier app can also assist in recognizing the base stamp and potential overprints.
Which catalogs list Yunnan stamps?
Yunnan stamps are typically listed within major stamp catalogs under China, often in a dedicated section for provincial or local overprints. Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons all include listings for these issues, providing details on varieties and estimated values.
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