Canton Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Canton (China) Stamps
Canton, historically known as the Province of Guangdong, is a major coastal region in Southern China. While not an independent stamp-issuing entity in the modern sense, its postal history is deeply intertwined with the treaty port era and the administration of the Qing Dynasty and subsequent Republican governments. Stamps issued for use in this region primarily feature Chinese characters, often alongside English or French during periods of foreign concession influence. The administrative and political transitions within China profoundly impacted the postal services and the issuance of definitive and commemorative stamps relevant to the Canton area.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- Chinese, English, French
- Currency:
- CNY
- Parent issuer:
- China (Qing Dynasty)
Stamp Catalogs
Canton (China) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Canton (China) Stamp Series
Local Post Issues (1890s-early 1900s)
Stamps issued by local postal services in Canton, often featuring Chinese characters and sometimes overprints.
Treaty Port Overprints (Late 19th - early 20th century)
Stamps of foreign powers (e.g., Great Britain, France) overprinted for use in their post offices in Canton.
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Canton (China) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific issue (local post vs. foreign overprint), condition, and rarity of cancellations or varieties. Early local issues and rare treaty port overprints can command high prices.
How to Identify Canton (China) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Canton (China) stamps:
- 1 Look for Chinese characters, often alongside English or French text, indicating a connection to foreign concessions.
- 2 Examine overprints on foreign stamps (e.g., 'CHINA' or specific treaty port names) for use in Canton.
- 3 Note the presence of local post issues, which may have unique designs not found on national Chinese stamps.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Canton stamps?
Canton stamps refer to postal issues used in the Canton (Guangdong) region of China, primarily during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era. These include local post issues, stamps of the Imperial Chinese Post, and foreign stamps overprinted for use in treaty port post offices within Canton.
Are Canton stamps valuable?
The value of Canton stamps can range from a few dollars for common examples to several thousands for rare local issues, specific overprints, or stamps with unique cancellations. Rarity, condition, and historical significance are key factors in determining value.
How can I identify Canton stamps?
To identify Canton stamps, look for Chinese characters, often accompanied by English or French text. Pay close attention to overprints on foreign stamps that indicate their use in Chinese treaty ports. Using a stamp identifier app can help quickly recognize designs and provide catalog references.
Which catalogs list Canton stamps?
Canton stamps are primarily listed in major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, often within sections dedicated to China, Chinese local posts, or foreign post offices in China.
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