Bahawalpur Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Bahawalpur Stamps
Bahawalpur was a princely state located in the Punjab region of British India, now part of modern Pakistan, situated in South Asia. Its postal history is characterized by the issuance of its own provisional stamps under the suzerainty of the British Raj, often featuring Urdu script alongside English. The state maintained its own postal system until its integration into Pakistan following the partition of India in 1947, after which its postal services were absorbed into the Pakistan Post.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1947 – 1949
- Languages:
- Urdu, English
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- British India
Stamp Catalogs
Bahawalpur stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Bahawalpur Stamp Series
Provisional Issues (1947-1949)
Stamps of British India overprinted 'BAHAWALPUR' in Urdu and/or English, often with surcharges.
Definitive Issues (1948)
The first definitive series for Bahawalpur, featuring the portrait of the Nawab, Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan V.
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Bahawalpur Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common provisional overprints are affordable. Rare varieties, errors, and high-value definitives can fetch significant prices, especially on cover.
How to Identify Bahawalpur Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Bahawalpur stamps:
- 1 Look for 'BAHAWALPUR' overprints in Urdu script (بہاولپور) and/or English on stamps originally issued for British India.
- 2 Examine the definitive issues for the portrait of Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan V and the state's name in both Urdu and English.
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Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bahawalpur stamps?
Bahawalpur stamps are philatelic issues from the former princely state of Bahawalpur, located in what is now Pakistan. They primarily consist of provisional overprints on British Indian stamps and a short series of definitive stamps issued between 1947 and 1949, before the state's postal system was integrated into Pakistan Post.
Are Bahawalpur stamps valuable?
The value of Bahawalpur stamps varies. Common provisional overprints are generally inexpensive, ranging from $1 to $20. However, rare varieties, errors, specific surcharges, and high-value definitive issues, especially those on original covers, can be quite valuable, potentially fetching hundreds of dollars or more.
How can I identify Bahawalpur stamps?
Bahawalpur stamps are identified by the 'BAHAWALPUR' overprint, often in Urdu script (بہاولپور), on stamps of British India, or by the distinctive definitive issues featuring the Nawab's portrait. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly and accurately identify these stamps by simply scanning them with your phone's camera.
Which catalogs list Bahawalpur stamps?
Bahawalpur stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, descriptions, and estimated values for various Bahawalpur stamp issues.
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