Chinese stamps are among the most sought-after in the philatelic world. With a huge collector base in China and limited supplies of classic issues, prices have skyrocketed in recent decades. Here are 15 Chinese stamps worth serious money.
The Large Dragons (1878-1885)
China's first postage stamps are known as the "Large Dragons" and are highly prized by collectors worldwide.
1. 1878 Large Dragon 5 Candarin
Value: $5,000 - $50,000+
The orange-yellow 5 candarin is the most valuable of the Large Dragons. Thin paper varieties command highest prices. Look for clear margins and light cancellations.
2. 1878 Large Dragon 3 Candarin
Value: $2,000 - $30,000
Brown-red shade on thin paper. Complete sheets are extraordinarily rare. Mint examples with gum are worth premium prices.
3. 1878 Large Dragon 1 Candarin
Value: $1,000 - $15,000
Green shade, available in thin and thick paper varieties. The first value in China's first stamp series.
Small Dragons & Dowager Issues
| Stamp | Year | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small Dragon 1 Candarin | 1885 | $200-$2,000 |
| Small Dragon 3 Candarin | 1885 | $500-$5,000 |
| Small Dragon 5 Candarin | 1885 | $300-$3,000 |
| Dowager 60th Birthday Set | 1894 | $1,000-$10,000 |
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4. 1912 Statistical Department Provisional
Value: $10,000 - $100,000+
Rare provisional overprints. Only a few hundred exist. Authentication essential due to forgeries.
5. 1941 Sun Yat-sen New York Print
Value: $500 - $5,000
High values printed in New York during WWII. Complete sets are valuable.
People's Republic Rarities (1949-Present)
6. 1968 "Whole Country is Red" Error
Value: $500,000 - $1,000,000+
One of the world's most valuable stamps. Withdrawn immediately due to incorrect map. Only about 100 exist. One sold for $1.15 million in 2018.
7. 1980 Year of the Monkey
Value: $1,500 - $15,000
First Chinese zodiac stamp. A single mint stamp worth $1,500+. Complete sheet of 80 worth $150,000+.
8. 1962 Mei Lanfang Souvenir Sheet
Value: $20,000 - $50,000
Honoring the famous Beijing Opera performer. Imperforate version is especially valuable.
Cultural Revolution Stamps
Stamps from China's Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) are highly collectible:
| Stamp | Year | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Thoughts of Mao Set | 1967 | $1,000-$10,000 |
| Revolutionary Literature | 1967 | $500-$3,000 |
| Red Women's Detachment | 1968 | $200-$1,500 |
| Mao's Poems | 1967 | $800-$5,000 |
How to Identify Valuable Chinese Stamps
- Check the Paper - Thin vs thick paper affects value significantly for early issues
- Examine Watermarks - Some Chinese stamps have watermarks that indicate authenticity
- Look for Overprints - Provisional overprints can be very valuable but also heavily forged
- Verify Authenticity - Chinese stamps are frequently forged; get expensive items certified
- Check Condition - Mint stamps with original gum worth significantly more
Where to Sell Chinese Stamps
- Auction Houses: Interasia (Hong Kong), Spink China, Dynasty Auctions
- Online: eBay, Delcampe, Chinese platforms like Taobao
- Dealers: Specialists in Asian philately
- Shows: Hong Kong Stamp Expo, Asian International Stamp Exhibition
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