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Stamp values

Chinese stamp values: what your Chinese stamps are worth

Chinese stamps are among the most actively traded in the world today, driven by strong demand from collectors in China. Value is concentrated in Qing Dynasty issues and in a few People’s Republic stamps from the 1960s to 1980. Forgeries of these are common.

Short answer

Many People’s Republic stamps from the 1950s are cancelled-to-order and worth cents. Qing Dynasty issues from 1878 to 1911 and selected PRC stamps, such as the 1980 Monkey and Cultural Revolution issues, can be valuable. “The Whole Country is Red” of 1968 is the most famous PRC rarity.

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What most Chinese stamps are worth

Large numbers of 1950s PRC stamps were cancelled to order for sale to collectors. They have full gum and a neat corner postmark and are inexpensive. Later definitives are also common. Prices rise sharply for Qing Dynasty stamps, Cultural Revolution issues and the zodiac stamps from 1980.

Valuable stamps to look for

  • The Whole Country is Red Chinese stamp

    The Whole Country is Red (1968)

    Withdrawn quickly because of a map error. Highly sought after.

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  • Rare Red Revenue Small One Dollar Stamp China 1897

    Red Revenue Small One Dollar (1897)

    A Qing Dynasty surcharge on revenue stamps. One of China’s classic rarities.

    Read the profile
  • 1980

    1980 Monkey (T46) (1980)

    The first Chinese zodiac stamp. Full sheets are especially valuable.

What to check before you price a stamp

  1. 1

    Assume expensive Cultural Revolution stamps may be forged until checked. Compare paper, perforation and printing.

  2. 2

    Separate cancelled-to-order stamps (full gum, neat corner postmark) from postally used ones.

  3. 3

    For Qing Dynasty stamps, note the surcharge type and the perforation.

  4. 4

    Keep sheets and blocks of the 1980 Monkey intact.

Questions about China stamps

Are old Chinese stamps worth anything?

Qing Dynasty stamps and some PRC issues from 1949 to 1980 often are. Many 1950s cancelled-to-order stamps are worth cents.

How much is the 1980 Monkey stamp worth?

It depends on condition and format. Single stamps sell well, and complete sheets of 80 are worth much more.

Are Chinese stamps often forged?

Yes. Valuable PRC and Qing stamps are frequently forged, so compare details carefully and use an expert for expensive pieces.

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