N. W. Pacific Islands Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About North West Pacific Islands (German Occupation) Stamps
The N. W. Pacific Islands refer to a broad, historically fragmented region in Oceania, encompassing various island groups administered under different colonial powers, primarily the United States, Japan, and European nations, before transitions to independence or commonwealth status. Postal issues from this area often reflect the administrative language of the controlling power, such as English, Japanese, or Spanish, depending on the specific island group and time period. The stamps document significant geopolitical shifts, including mandates, trusteeships, and the eventual establishment of sovereign nations or territories, leading to diverse and complex postal histories across the scattered islands.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Oceania
- Subregion:
- Micronesia
- Issuing period:
- 1915 – 1921
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- £
- Parent issuer:
- Australia
Stamp Catalogs
North West Pacific Islands (German Occupation) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular North West Pacific Islands (German Occupation) Stamp Series
German New Guinea Overprints (1915)
Stamps of German New Guinea overprinted 'G.R.I.' and new values in pence/shillings, issued by the Australian occupation forces.
Marshall Islands Overprints (1915)
Stamps of German Marshall Islands overprinted 'G.R.I.' and new values, used by the Australian occupation.
Nauru Overprints (1916-1921)
Stamps of Great Britain overprinted 'NAURU' and later 'N.W. PACIFIC ISLANDS' for use on Nauru.
North West Pacific Islands (German Occupation) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific island group, overprint variety, condition, and whether they are mint or used. Early occupation issues, especially those with rare overprints or errors, command higher prices. Sets in fine condition are more desirable.
How to Identify North West Pacific Islands (German Occupation) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying North West Pacific Islands (German Occupation) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'G.R.I.' overprints on German colonial stamps (German New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, Mariana Islands).
- 2 Identify stamps of Great Britain overprinted 'N.W. PACIFIC ISLANDS' or 'NAURU'.
- 3 Check for watermarks and perforations, which can help distinguish between different printings or issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are N. W. Pacific Islands stamps?
N. W. Pacific Islands stamps refer to postal issues from various German colonial territories in the North West Pacific (e.g., German New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, Mariana Islands, Nauru) that were occupied by Allied forces, primarily Australia, during and after World War I. These stamps often feature overprints on existing German colonial or British stamps to reflect the new administration.
Are N. W. Pacific Islands stamps valuable?
Yes, many N. W. Pacific Islands stamps can be quite valuable, especially the early occupation issues with 'G.R.I.' overprints on German colonial stamps, or specific varieties and errors. Common stamps might range from $5 to $50, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Value depends heavily on the specific issue, condition, and rarity.
How can I identify N. W. Pacific Islands stamps?
To identify N. W. Pacific Islands stamps, look for overprints like 'G.R.I.' (George Rex Imperator) on German colonial stamps or 'N.W. PACIFIC ISLANDS' on British stamps. Pay attention to the original stamp's design, the overprint's text and style, and any new denominations. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamp to known issues and provide more details.
Which catalogs list N. W. Pacific Islands stamps?
N. W. Pacific Islands stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, issue dates, and estimated values for both mint and used stamps.
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