Poonch Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Poonch State Stamps
Poonch was a princely state located in the western Himalayas, geographically situated in the Kashmir region of South Asia. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the British Raj, as it was one of the states under the paramountcy of the British Indian Empire, issuing its own distinctive provisional stamps primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The stamps generally featured Urdu, the official language of the state administration, alongside English. Following the partition of India in 1947, Poonch experienced significant administrative division, leading to the cessation of its independent postal issues as its territory was divided between India and Pakistan.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1876 – 1888
- Languages:
- Urdu, English
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- British India
Stamp Catalogs
Poonch State stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Poonch State Stamp Series
First Provisional Issue (1876)
Handstamped issues on Indian revenue stamps, often crude and highly sought after for their rarity and historical significance.
Second Provisional Issue (1878-1879)
More refined handstamps on Indian revenue stamps, featuring different designs and colors, still very scarce.
Official Issues (1880s)
Stamps specifically printed for Poonch, featuring inscriptions in Urdu and sometimes English, showing the state's name.
Poonch State Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Poonch stamps are generally scarce due to their provisional nature and limited usage. Early handstamped issues, especially on cover, command significant premiums. Condition, clear strikes, and genuine usage are critical factors for value. Forgeries are known, so expertization is often recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Poonch State Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Poonch State stamps:
- 1 Look for handstamped overprints on Indian revenue stamps (early issues).
- 2 Later issues feature 'POONCH' or 'POONCH STATE' in Urdu script, sometimes with English.
- 3 Examine the paper and printing method for authenticity, as many forgeries exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Poonch stamps?
Poonch stamps are provisional postal issues from the princely state of Poonch, located in the Kashmir region of British India. These stamps were primarily used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before the state's postal system was fully integrated or dissolved.
Are Poonch stamps valuable?
Yes, Poonch stamps can be quite valuable, especially the early handstamped provisional issues. Their rarity, historical context, and the limited period of their use contribute to their high demand among collectors of Indian States philately. Prices can range from tens to thousands of dollars, depending on the specific issue, condition, and whether they are on cover.
How can I identify Poonch stamps?
To identify Poonch stamps, look for handstamped overprints on Indian revenue stamps for the earliest issues. Later issues will typically have 'POONCH' or the state's name in Urdu script, sometimes accompanied by English. Pay close attention to the design, color, and any inscriptions. For definitive identification and to check for authenticity, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized catalog like Scott, Michel, or Stanley Gibbons.
Which catalogs list Poonch stamps?
Poonch stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under 'Indian States - Poonch'), Michel (under 'Indien - Fürstenstaaten - Poonch'), and Stanley Gibbons (under 'Indian Native States - Poonch'). These catalogs provide detailed listings, descriptions, and estimated values for the various issues.
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