Malayan States Stamps

Identification, history, popular series & stamp values

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About Malayan States Stamps

The Malayan States, situated in Southeast Asia on the Malay Peninsula, encompass a complex postal history reflecting British colonial administration across various federated and unfederated entities. Stamps issued during this period often featured English alongside Malay, reflecting the administrative language of the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States. The postal system transitioned significantly through the Japanese occupation during World War II, followed by the Malayan Union and subsequent Federation of Malaya, leading eventually to the formation of modern Malaysia. This fragmented political landscape resulted in a diverse array of provisional issues and distinct stamp series across the different administrative units prior to unification.

Learn more: Wikipedia

Issuer Overview

Region:
Asia
Subregion:
Southeast Asia
Issuing period:
1867 – 1963
Languages:
English, Malay
Currency:
MYR
Parent issuer:
Great Britain

Stamp Catalogs

Malayan States stamps are listed in the following catalogs:

✓ Scott Catalog
✓ Michel Catalog
✓ Stanley Gibbons Catalog

Popular Malayan States Stamp Series

Straits Settlements Issues (1867-1942)

Early issues of the Straits Settlements, often overprinted for use in individual Malayan States, featuring portraits of British monarchs.

Federated Malay States Tiger Issues (1901-1935)

Distinctive series for the Federated Malay States (Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Pahang) featuring a tiger design, often with different watermarks and perforations.

Unfederated Malay States Issues (Early 20th Century)

Separate issues for states like Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Trengganu, often featuring local rulers or specific state emblems, reflecting their semi-independent status.

Malayan States Stamp Value Overview

Common stamps
$0.50 - $10
Rare stamps
$100 - $5,000+

Value Notes: Common Malayan States stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarities include early issues, specific overprints, errors, and high-value definitives, especially those in fine condition or on cover. Japanese Occupation issues can also be valuable.

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How to Identify Malayan States Stamps

Key features to look for when identifying Malayan States stamps:

  • 1 Look for 'Straits Settlements', 'Federated Malay States', or individual state names (e.g., 'Johore', 'Perak') as the primary inscription.
  • 2 Identify the portrait of the British monarch (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI) or local rulers.
  • 3 Check for overprints, which are common and crucial for identifying specific periods or states.

Related Issuers & Topics

Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:

British Colonies British Military Administration Malaya Federated Malay States Japanese Occupation of Johore (WWII) Japanese Occupation of Malacca Japanese WWII Occupation of Negri Sembilan Japanese Occupation of Pahang (WWII) Japanese Occupation of Penang (WWII) Japanese WWII Occupation of Selangor Japanese Occupation of Straits Settlements (WWII) Japanese WWII Occupation of Trengganu Japanese WWII Occupation of Malayan Postal Union Johore Kedah Kelantan Labuan Malacca (Melaka) Federation of Malaya Malaysia Negeri Sembilan North Borneo Pahang (Federated Malay States) Penang (Pulau Pinang) Perak Perlis Sabah Sarawak Selangor Singapore Straits Settlements Sungei Ujong Trengganu Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territories of Malaysia)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Malayan States stamps?

Malayan States stamps refer to the postage stamps issued by various British colonial entities and independent Malay states on the Malay Peninsula from the late 19th century until the formation of Malaysia in 1963. This includes stamps from the Straits Settlements, Federated Malay States, and the Unfederated Malay States, as well as transitional issues like the Malayan Union and Federation of Malaya.

Are Malayan States stamps valuable?

The value of Malayan States stamps varies widely. Many common issues are inexpensive, ranging from a few cents to a few dollars. However, rare early issues, specific overprints, errors, high-denomination stamps, and stamps from certain less common states can be quite valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition plays a significant role in determining value.

How can I identify Malayan States stamps?

To identify Malayan States stamps, look for inscriptions like 'Straits Settlements', 'Federated Malay States', or the names of individual states (e.g., 'Johore', 'Kedah'). Pay attention to the portrait of the monarch or local ruler, the currency (cents and dollars), and any overprints. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamp to catalog entries and learn more about its specific details.

Which catalogs list Malayan States stamps?

Malayan States stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 3 or 4, depending on the specific entity), the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, and the Michel Ostasien (East Asia) catalogue. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.

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