St. Helena Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About St. Helena Stamps
St. Helena is a remote volcanic island territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, geographically part of the African continent's sphere of influence. As a British Overseas Territory, its postal history is deeply rooted in the British postal system, with stamps primarily denominated in Pounds Sterling or Pence until decimalization. The official language is English, which is consistently reflected on its philatelic issues, including those for its dependencies, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The territory's long history as a crucial mid-Atlantic waypoint for the British Empire is a recurring theme in its stamp production.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Southern Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1856 – present
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- GBP
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
St. Helena stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular St. Helena Stamp Series
Queen Victoria 'Chalon Head' (1856-1880)
The iconic first issue, featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria based on Alfred Edward Chalon's painting, often found imperforate or with various perforations.
King George V 'Badge of the Colony' (1912-1937)
A long-running definitive series depicting King George V and the colonial badge, often with different watermarks and printings.
Tercentenary of Discovery (1902)
A commemorative set marking 300 years since the island's discovery, featuring historical scenes and portraits.
St. Helena Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues, especially imperforate or rare varieties of the 'Chalon Head' and early King George V definitives, can be quite valuable. Later commemorative sets are generally affordable, though complete sets in fine condition hold more value. Errors and specific overprints are highly sought after.
How to Identify St. Helena Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying St. Helena stamps:
- 1 Look for 'ST. HELENA' or 'ST. HELENA & ASCENSION' as the country name.
- 2 Early issues often feature portraits of British monarchs (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI, Elizabeth II) or the colonial badge.
- 3 Denominations are typically in Pence and Shillings, later decimalized to Pounds.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are St. Helena stamps?
St. Helena stamps are postage stamps issued by the British Overseas Territory of St. Helena, a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic. Their postal history began in 1856 and is closely tied to the British postal system, reflecting its status as a crucial mid-Atlantic waypoint.
Are St. Helena stamps valuable?
The value of St. Helena stamps varies significantly. Early issues, particularly the Queen Victoria 'Chalon Head' stamps and certain varieties of King George V definitives, can be quite valuable, ranging from £100 to over £5,000 for rare examples. More common later issues are generally affordable, typically priced between £0.50 and £10. Condition, rarity, and specific varieties play a major role in determining value.
How can I identify St. Helena stamps?
St. Helena stamps are identified by the inscription 'ST. HELENA' or 'ST. HELENA & ASCENSION' (for joint issues). Key features include portraits of British monarchs, the colonial badge, and often depictions of the island's unique flora, fauna, or historical events. For precise identification and to check for varieties, using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized catalog is highly recommended.
Which catalogs list St. Helena stamps?
St. Helena stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. Collectors can find detailed information, including varieties and values, in the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalog, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Michel catalog.
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