Tracing the Storied History of Singapore Postage Stamps

Singapore, a vibrant island nation in Southeast Asia, boasts a rich history that is beautifully encapsulated in its postage stamps. These miniature works of art have not only served as a means of sending mail but have also become significant cultural artifacts that reflect Singapore's journey from a British colony to a thriving modern metropolis. In this article, we will delve into the captivating history of Singapore postage stamps, exploring their evolution, notable designs, and their enduring appeal to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

1. Colonial Era and Early Stamps:

The first postage stamp used in Singapore dates back to 1854 during its days as a British colony. Known as the "Straits Settlements" stamps, these early issues featured the portrait of Queen Victoria and were used in present-day Singapore, Malaysia, and other neighboring regions. These stamps were inscribed with denominations and had intricate designs that reflected the British influence.

2. Independence and the Birth of Singapore Postage Stamps:

Following Singapore's independence in 1965, the country established its own postal system and began issuing its own stamps. The inaugural set, known as the "National Day" series, was released on August 9, 1965, to commemorate Singapore's independence. These stamps depicted national symbols, landmarks, and significant events, capturing the nation's newfound pride and identity.

3. Definitive Stamps and Thematic Collections:

Singapore's postal authorities have released various definitive stamp series over the years, featuring iconic national symbols, notable personalities, and significant landmarks. These series have provided a comprehensive visual narrative of Singapore's history and culture. Notable examples include the "Flora and Fauna" series, showcasing the country's diverse plant and animal life, and the "Cultural Heritage" series, highlighting the rich tapestry of Singapore's multicultural society.

4. Commemorative Stamps:

Commemorative stamps hold a special place in Singapore's philatelic history, as they pay tribute to notable events, anniversaries, and influential individuals. They serve as historical markers and provide a tangible connection to significant milestones in Singapore's development. Examples of commemorative stamps include those issued to honor the nation's founding father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, and to celebrate important milestones like the Singapore Bicentennial.

5. Technological Advancements in Stamp Production:

With technological advancements, the production of Singapore postage stamps has evolved significantly. Modern printing techniques such as lithography, gravure, and offset printing have allowed for more intricate designs, vibrant colors, and detailed illustrations. The incorporation of security features, such as holograms and microprinting, has enhanced the stamps' authenticity and deterred counterfeiting.

6. Philatelic Education and Promotional Efforts:

Singapore has actively promoted philately and stamp collecting through various educational initiatives. The country's postal service has collaborated with schools, organizing exhibitions, workshops, and competitions to engage young collectors and nurture their interest in stamps. These efforts have helped cultivate a new generation of philatelists, ensuring the preservation of Singapore's philatelic heritage.

7. Philatelic Exhibitions and Collectors' Events:

Singapore has hosted numerous philatelic exhibitions and collectors' events that showcase rare and valuable stamps, attract international collectors, and foster exchange and collaboration within the philatelic community. Exhibitions like "Singapore '95" and "Singapore '98" have provided platforms for enthusiasts to appreciate exceptional collections, attend seminars, and interact with renowned stamp experts.

Conclusion:

Singapore postage stamps encapsulate the nation's journey from its colonial past to a modern, cosmopolitan city-state. From the colonial era to the present day, these miniature pieces of art have evolved, reflecting Singapore's history, culture, and achievements. They serve

History and Stamps

Postage stamps depict history in a variety of ways. They may feature images of important historical figures, such as presidents or monarchs, or depict important events or landmarks. Some stamps also commemorate anniversaries or special occasions, such as the founding of a country or the birth of a notable person. Additionally, stamps can also be used to highlight aspects of a country's culture or heritage, such as traditional costumes or natural wonders. In general, stamps are a form of visual storytelling that can be used to educate people about the past and present of a country.

Added to my collection complete stamp sheets

Long time since I last posted on this blog. Anyway, I am glad to have added a few stamps to my Singapore and Straits Settlements collection lately.

The first set is actually revenue stamps from Singapore IRAS. It is used and in a complete sheet. Was mighty pleased with my purchase from People's Park.

Second complete sheet is Singapore 1980s Ship Series 10 cents.

The third sheet I bought was a King George VI 2 cent complete sheet.

Really pleased with my purchases. Hope to be able to add more to my collection soon!

Bill Gross Bond King also Collects Stamps

So I just realised that Bill Gross also collects stamps  it seems that he spends quite a bit on stamps actually. Between $50 to $100 million of his fortune has been spent on his stamp collection. Just recently, he sold off a portion of his stamp collection for charity purposes.

In fact, I read that he has also collected lots of price data on transacted stamp prices. It looks like one of the best investors in the world also agrees that stamp collecting can also form a significant part of one's investment portfolio!

Stamps truly provide an alternative investment for the wealthy. It provides a good form of diversification and has little correlation with the overall stock market. Time to invest in some stamps?

How much is a stamp collection worth?

I have received some queries from users who have inherited some stamp collections either from friends or relatives and wish to know how much their stamp collection is worth.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to answer this question about how much the stamp collection is valued at unless one knows what it comprises and the market price for those stamps.

It really depends on the size and extent of the collection. Anyone who wants to buy the stamps would probably be hoping to buy it as part of an existing collection. So they might be more interested if there are rare stamps or if it is a complete collection (e.g. all Malaysia Stamps since 1966 till present).

That being said, they are probably not going to pay for the collection based on a full valuation since they can probably get the stamps through an online website like eBay or through an auction by a reputable stamp dealer where they can be assured of authenticity.

On the otherhand, there might be dealers who are looking to make a profit from selling your collection either in parts or in whole.

Either way, there is going to be costs (and time) involved for parties who purchase the collection. They might not even be able to sell off some of these stamps so that will be another consideration they might have when offering a price.

So one can expect the price to be marked down compared to valuations you can see online.

The quality and condition of the stamps will also cause the price to vary.

The best way to get a sense of the value is to bring it to a stamp dealer and see how much they are willing to offer. Whatever price they provide probably factors in how long they might take to sell the stamps. Some stamps might also be unsellable.

From there you can get a rough gauge of the valuation of your stamp collection. You might be able to get a higher price if you carry out the sale on your own. But this could prove to be a tiring and time consuming process. And you might not even sell it.

Singapore Stamps 1948 to 1980 Mint Near Complete Collection

A nice collection of mint Singapore stamps from 1948 to 1980.

Investing in Rare Stamps

Informative video on investing in rare stamps with Stanley Gibbons Investments.

Singapore Stamps - Wet Market Presentation Pack

Finally got some time to take a few pictures of one of the presentation packs that I bought recently.

The stamps in the pack are 4 Singapore stamps that depict scenes of the local wet market. Unlike supermarkets found in the West, wet markets are open air concept markets that was is still very much prevalent in the East.  The wet floors due to melted ice or washing gives rise to their names - wet markets.

Even as Singapore has developed, there has been a conscientious effort made to keep these wet markets. Most people now do their grocery shopping in supermarkets. But there are still times when people will turn to the wet markets. Not necessarily because it is cheaper. But because it is at times more convenient.

Bought some postage stamps from Omigo

I bought some postage stamps from Omigo which is like Singpost' online shop I think. The stamps took almost three weeks to arrive. A little longer than I expected.

Didn't buy much. Just bought slightly over 20 dollars worth of Singapore postage stamps. Have not had the time to sort it yet. Hopefully, will get to do so in the next couple of days.

Rare 1954 Queen Elizabeth II Stamps Auctioned off by Singapore Philatelic Museum

In September 2014, the Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM) conducted its first auction of rare Singapore stamps for its first ever fund raising.  The money raised would be used for bigger galleries and more exhibition.  Good thing to know that the SPM is still actively boosting its galleries as my past visits to it showed little difference over the months/years.  Hopefully, with the new money raised, stamp enthusiasts can look forward to new exhibitions and a refreshed gallery.

Some of the stamps auctioned off included rare 1954 Queen Elizabeth II revenue stamp sheets that were previously used in land title deeds.  The sheets of 50 stamps in $500 denominations had starting bids of $12,000.  Revenue stamps were used by lawyers here but were hardly bought in full sheets making these full sheets really rare.

Other stamps that went under the hammer include the 1955 Queen Elizabeth II definitive stamps that were overprinted with the words "Postal Training School".  These stamps were used for staff training at the Postal Service Department Singapore which was Singapore Post's predecessor.

The auction was conducted by Spink and all lots were sold off.  The highest bid was for lot #40 which closed at $42,000.  This was for a 1954 Queen Elizabeth II revenue stamp sheet.  Altogether, there were 13 sheets put up for sale (Lot #40 - Lot #52).  Prices ranged between $9,500 to $42,000.

One Cent Magenta Stamp Sold for Record Price at Sotheby's Auction

Auction house Sotheby's has just sold (on behalf of du Pont's estate) the world's only known and surviving example of a one cent magenta stamp from British colonial Guyana that was first printed in 1856.  The stamp is hinged on paper, printed in black ink and bears the signature of the postmaster.

This is the history of the stamp:

1856 - British colony Guyana runs low on stamps as a shipment is delayed.  Postmaster commissions a contingency supply.

1873 - 12 year old Scottish boy living with his family in British Guyana discovers the stamp among some family papers.  The boy, Vernon Vaughan, adds the stamps to his album.  He later sells the stamp for a few shillings.

1878 - Stamps makes its way to Britain.

Bought by French Count Philippe la Renotiere von Ferrary and later donated to museum in Berlin.

1922 - After WW1, French seized his collection as part of war reparations from Germany and sold stamp in auction to Arthur Hind who was a rich man from New York city.  Hind paid $35,000 for the stamp.

1970 - Stamp sold for record $280,000

1980 - du Pont, an American multi-millionaire, buys stamp for record $935,000.  du Pont is later sentenced to jail for shooting Dave Schultz and dies in prison in 2010.

2014 - Stamp sells for a record $9.5 million after bidding begins at $4.5million.  Sotheby's had valued the stamp at $10-20 million.  Nevertheless, stamp sets record price for auction.  Previous record price was $2.2million for the Treskilling Yellow back in 1996.

Rare and Valuable Stamps

Rare stamps are not always valuable.  But in most cases, they probably are.  And the trend that we are seeing is probably this:  Rare stamps will become more and more valuable.

The reason for this is actually quite simple.  As the number of extremely wealthy people (we are talking about billionaires here) increases over the recent years, it only means that higher amounts of money are being paid for rare and coveted objects and items like fine wines, art pieces and of course, rare stamps.

Well, the idea is probably that owning this one-of-a-kind items is probably sought after by the rich because it connotes a certain amount of exclusivity.  After all, anyone can buy a Ferrari or a castle.  But how many people can actually own a piece of art if it is the only one in the world.  So the wealthy people are inclined to splurge on this.

Some of them are of course true collectors who might have been collecting stamps since they were young and struck it out rich, thus turning back to their childhood hobby.  But these are probably far and few between.  Nevertheless, it probably makes sense to look into rare stamps of countries where a large percentage of billionaires boast from.  By this, we are talking about countries like China, India, Russia, etc.  These billionaires will probably be interested in collecting rare stamps that belong to their country.

Singapore Philatelic Museum - Short Video Clip

This is a nice short clip of what the Singapore Philatelic Museum looks like. You can probably spend around one hour to see the whole museum as it isn't very big. There is also a nice gift shop where you can also buy some stamps.

It's Been A Long Time

It's been a long time since I last posted or even looked at my postage stamps.  One year perhaps?  Have been too busy and tied down with so many other things/engagements that I haven't really had a time to pursue this "hobby" of stamp collecting.

Hope to be able to update soon on some of my new acquisitions via Ebay. Hope all stamps collectors out there are having a rolling good time!

Bought a straits settlements stamp

After staying off my hobby for some time, my passion has been reignited again.  I just bought a straits settlements stamp for $25 over Ebay.  Not certain whether it is a wise purchase or not since it could be an impulse buy.

Philately or Philotely

Most stamp collectors are perhaps familiar with the term philately.  Right at the start, when stamp collecting as a hobby was picking up, there were actually all sorts of terms used.  The term philately was actually invented by a French stamp collector named Herpin.  He used the term in a French magazine and the term stuck with the public and became the widely used term to describe stamp collecting.

The origin of this term comes from the Greek expression philo (I love) and atelos(exempt from tax).  There was actually some discussion and debate on whether the correct term used should have been philotely instead since the name for the hobby was composed of the Greek philo and teli (taxes) and its explanation would be 'love of taxes' or love of stamps used for payment of postage.  But by then, the widely accepted term was already being used all over the world so the term "philately" has remained ever since.

Hemerodromes

In the past, young runners who could run fast were chosen to become messengers.  In ancient Greece, these runners were called Hemerodromes.  They were often able to cover long distances in relatively short time.  The most famous of these Hemerodromes was perhaps the Greek messenger called Marathon.  As most people know, he was the one who covered the distance to Athens in such a short time that he collapsed shortly after delivering his message.

Ever since the written word was used as a form of communication, these messengers were relied upon to carry both good news and bad news.  These messengers were in fact the forebearers of the modern postman though one will probably think of them as atheletes and postman rolled into one!  They often bore light arms with only bare essentials for survival.  Many of them also had to overcome hardships and dangers along the way.  These messengers paved the way for the birth of the postal service that we know of today.

Money to Buy Stamps

I wrote some time back about knowing your limits when buying stamps.  Essentially, every stamp collector comes to a point in time when they realise that they do not have enough money to buy stamps to improve their collection.

I am sadly disappointed this weekend when I realised that SingPost had stopped selling some 2009 Singapore stamps which I have yet to purchased for my stamp collection.  Buying them off Ebay will definitely be more expensive.

It makes me wonder whether I should set aside a budget each month to buy stamps.

Straits Settlements Stamps - Stamps of India Overprinted

The Straits Settlements was actually a group of territories in Southeast Asia established in 1826 under the British East India Company.  In 1867, it became a crown colony and came under direct British control.  While Indian stamps were used prior to 1867, with the status of it becoming a crown colony, new stamps had to be issued.  In the interim however, stamps of India overprinted with a crown and the stamp value of "cents" instead of "annas" was used. In a sense, these can be considered the first official postage stamps that were distinctively "created" for the Straits Settlements (since the previous stamps used were stamps from India) by overprinting it with the new values.

The set contained a total of 9 stamps with  values of 1 1/2cents, 2 cents, 3 cents, 4 cents, 6 cents, 8 cents, 12 cents, 24 cents and 32 cents).  However, only 5 different Indian stamps were used.  These 5 stamps were the 1/2 anna, 1 anna, 2 annas, 4 annas and 8 annas stamp.  The stamps were differentiated by different coloured ink overprints as well as different values:

•  1/2 anna blue was used for the 1 1/2 cents.
• 1 anna brown was used for the 2 cents, 3 cents and 4 cents
• 2 annas yellow was used for the 6 cents, 8 cents and 32 cents
• 4 annas green was used for the 12 cents
• 8 annas rose was used for the 24 cents 

For the overprints, the colors used were as follows:

• Red for 1 1/2 cents, 2 cents and 12 cents
• Blue for 3 cents and 24 cents
• Black for 4 cents and 32 cents
• Purple for 6 cents
• Green for 8 cents

An example of one of the stamps that I have bought off Ebay showing the 1 1/2 cents stamp(with the overprints in red depicting the crown that sits on Queen Victoria's head and the three half cents value of the stamp) is shown below:

1867 Stamp of India, Overprinted (Perforation 14 and Elephant's Head watermark)

As this overprinting on Indian stamps  was really an interim measure (the new stamps were printed by the end of 1867), not many of these stamps were produced.  An estimate of the printed quantity for the various stamps is shown below:

• 1 1/2 cents - 40,000
• 2 cents - 96,000
• 3 cents - 96,000
• 4 cents - 32,000
• 6 cents - 24,000
• 8 cents - 144,000
• 12 cents - 24,000
• 24 cents - 80,000
• 32 cents - 64,000

The 12 cents and 6 cents are considered rarer and are harder to find.  

It is also not always true that the mint stamp is more expensive than the used stamp.  For example, the 1 1/2 cent stamp was hardly used at all so the used stamp is much more expensive than a mint stamp.  This is one of the reasons that there were actually some amendments made to the 1 1/2 cents during the period of 1867 onwards where the "THREE HALF" was deleted with a "2" written above it.  In the subsequent set of stamps issued, there was also no 1 1/2 cents value stamp anymore.

Where to Buy Stamps (Part II)

I wrote about where to buy stamps some time back. In that post, I explored the various options on where one could buy your normal postage stamps (for your snail mail) and also for collectors.  I have been using mainly Ebay for a long time now and have always felt comfortable with it.  But then, I realised that it was hard to get some of the stamps that I was looking for.

Recently, a reader told me about 2 other auction sites that uses an auction method just like Ebay. They are :

1. BidStart
2. DelCampe

I must say that I was pretty surprised to find these 2 auction sites because I managed to find some of the stamps that I was looking for.  These were some older Straits Settlements stamps which I have been trying to get my hands on.  And the ones listed on Ebay were not the ones that I were looking for.  

To the reader who recommended this 2 sites to me:

Thanks for recommending this 2 auction sites to me!   I can never thank you enough!