Yunnan 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.
- Issued stamps
- 1926–1949
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Chinese
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- China
About Yunnan stamps
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Yunnan stamps
- Look for Chinese characters indicating 'Yunnan' (云南) or specific local post office names as overprints or surcharges on national Chinese stamps.
- Examine the underlying national stamp issue to determine its original design and denomination, which helps contextualize the Yunnan overprint.
- Pay attention to the color and style of the overprint, as variations can indicate different printings or periods of use.
Popular 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.
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–$1,000+
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.
Catalogs. Yunnan 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 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.
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.
To identify Yunnan stamps, look for overprints or surcharges on stamps of the Chinese Republic that include Chinese characters for 'Yunnan' (云南) or other regional postal markings. Comparing them with catalog listings for Chinese provincial issues is crucial. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
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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