St. Vincent Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About St. Vincent Stamps
St. Vincent, a volcanic island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, forms part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the West Indies. As a former British colony, its postal history is deeply rooted in the British Commonwealth, with stamps typically bearing English inscriptions and denominations initially in sterling currency before transitioning to the East Caribbean Dollar. The island achieved self-governance and later independence in 1979, a transition reflected in the evolving sovereignty displayed on its definitive issues. St. Vincent remains a member of the Universal Postal Union, maintaining standard international postal relations.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- Caribbean
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1992
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- XCD
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
St. Vincent stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular St. Vincent Stamp Series
Queen Victoria Issues (1861-1902)
Early issues featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria, often with the 'Starfish' watermark, reflecting the island's colonial status.
King George V Key Plate Issues (1912-1936)
Definitive sets featuring the uniform 'Key Plate' design common across many British colonies, with the portrait of King George V.
Pictorial Definitive Issues (1938-1970s)
Sets featuring local scenes, flora, fauna, and industries, becoming more prominent from the King George VI era onwards, showcasing the island's unique identity.
St. Vincent Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early Queen Victoria issues, especially unused or with rare cancellations, can command significant prices. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally more common and affordable, though complete sets in fine condition hold more value. Errors, varieties, and specific overprints are highly sought after.
How to Identify St. Vincent Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying St. Vincent stamps:
- 1 Look for 'ST. VINCENT' or 'ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES' (after 1979) as the country name.
- 2 Early issues often feature the British monarch's portrait (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI, Elizabeth II).
- 3 Denominations initially in sterling (pence, shillings, pounds) then in East Caribbean Dollar (cents, dollars) after 1949.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are St. Vincent stamps?
St. Vincent stamps are postage stamps issued by the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent, from its colonial period under British rule starting in 1861, through its self-governance, and up to its independence in 1979. They reflect the island's history, culture, and natural beauty.
Are St. Vincent stamps valuable?
The value of St. Vincent stamps varies significantly. Early Queen Victoria issues, particularly those in fine condition, unused, or with rare cancellations, can be quite valuable, ranging from $50 to several thousand dollars. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally more common and affordable, typically ranging from $0.50 to $5, though complete sets or specific varieties can fetch higher prices.
How can I identify St. Vincent stamps?
You can identify St. Vincent stamps by looking for the inscription 'ST. VINCENT' or 'ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES' (after 1979). Early stamps feature British monarchs, while later issues depict local scenes, flora, and fauna. Denominations will be in sterling or East Caribbean Dollars. For precise identification and valuation, use a stamp identifier app or consult a specialized catalog like Scott, Michel, or Stanley Gibbons.
Which catalogs list St. Vincent stamps?
St. Vincent stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 6 for Caribbean), the Michel Katalog (Caribbean), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue.
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