Four British India Stamps from 4 Different Categories

British India Stamps can be broadly classified into four groups namely, British India Official, British India Definitive & Commemorative, China Expeditionary Force and Indian Expeditionary Force. Let’s take a look at one example from each of these four categories today.

British India Official

This is one of the Definitive British India stamps featuring Victoria Queen issued in the year 1866. This Purple-coloured stamp had a denomination of 8 Annas and were printed at the Military Orphanage Press in Calcutta using the typography technique. These fiscal stamps were overprinted and/or surcharged in Green on Foreign bill stamps. The top and bottom inscriptions portions were cut out. These definitive stamps of British India had a perforation of Imperf x perf 14. The Watermark on this Vertical Rectangle stamp featured a Crown over the text "INDIA". The term "SERVICE" was at the top while 'POSTAGE' was at the bottom.


 British India Definitive & Commemorative

This is one of the definitive old British India stamps featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria issued in the year 1854. This blue coloured square shaped east India company stamp bore the denomination of 1/2 Anna and 30 million such stamps were printed in Calcutta using the Lithography technique. These stamps were imperforated and depicted the Arms of East India Company sideways as the watermark.


 China Expeditionary Force

These Definitive stamps of British India featured a portrait of Victoria Queen and were issued from 1900 to 1904. These Purple/Red coloured stamps had a face value of 12 Annas and were overprinted by Government Press in Calcutta. They were basically used by the China Expeditionary force. From 23rd July to 15 August 1900, These British India stamps were issued without an overprint. After that, Victorian, Edwardian & George V stamps were overprinted with the letters "C.E.F". They were used by Indian Army personnel who were deployed to curtain the boxer rebellion in China. These old British India stamps had a perforation of 14 units and featured a star-shaped watermark.

 
Indian Expeditionary Force

These definitive old British India Stamps were issued in the year 1914 depicting a portrait of King George V. These lovely Olive-Green stamps had a face value of 4 Annas and were overprinted by the Government Press in Calcutta. These amazing British India stamps were overprinted with the letters I.E.F. They were basically used by the Indian Army Forces which were deployed in other countries during 1st World War. They were used for the first time in France in September 1914, and then in East Africa, Mesopotamia & Turkey. They had a perforation of 14 units and featured a star shaped watermark.

There are many more interesting Varieties of British India Stamps within each of these categories which you can pursue collecting.

Learn About the Different Categories of Indian Coins Before You Start Collecting

Coins of India come in innumerable varieties and it is almost impossible to study them if we don’t have a clear understanding of their categories. Whenever you add a new Indian coin to your collection, research about its variety first and then dig deep into its history. The more knowledge you acquire about coins In India, the better your collection would be. Let’s take a look at the major categories and sub-categories of Indian coins today.

Ancient Coins of India
The first level of categorisation is based on time period namely, ancient, medieval, colonial and modern. Ancient coins of India can be further classified as coins issued by Janapadas, the ones issued by Indian Empires, Kingdoms or Dynasties, Ancient Indian coins from the southern part of the subcontinent, coins struck by Ancient invaders and finally the coins produced by ancient city states of India.

Medieval Period Coins of India
Medieval India coins can be further classified as coins issued under the Delhi Sultanates and other sultans, Medieval India coins issued by the Mughal Empire, coins struck by the Indian princely states and coins produced by Hindu Empires and dynasties like Marathas, Vijayanagar etc. during the medieval period.

Indian Coins from Colonial Period
Colonial coins of India are the ones that were struck under European powers and trading companies like Dutch East India Company, Danish East India Company, French East India Company, East India Company, Madras Presidency Coins, Bengal Presidency Coins, Bombay Presidency Coins, British India, Indo-Portuguese, Kingdom of Portugal, Republic of Portugal and Ceylon.

Republic Coins of India
Finally we have the modern coins in India that were issued and circulated after India got
independence from the British Regime on 15th August 1947. These coins can be further classified into two groups namely, Anna series coins of India and republic India coins that follow a decimal coinage system.

Each of the subcategories mentioned above can be further divided based on the names of rulers and dynasties. Now you can imagine how vast Indian numismatics is. The idea is to keep researching about each of these varieties so that you can build an impressive Collection of Indian Coins. Pick up a category of your choice and start building a series based on its subcategories.

Provide Stamp Collecting Supplies to Kids for Reviving the Hobby

Stamp collecting is a hobby that people from different generations like to pursue. There was a time when youngsters loved collecting stamps. The situation has changed today as the interest seems to be diminishing among the youth. It’s very important to review the joyful hobby so that children understand different aspects about India and other countries as well through the study of postage stamps. They also need to be taught that it is important to use quality stamp collecting supplies to take care of their valuable collection. Only when you invest in the right kind of stamp collecting accessories, will you able to protect old stamps from dust and moisture.

Different kinds of philatelic supplies are available in the market these days. You also have the option to buy them online. Children will naturally get more serious about the hobby when you buy them a good quality stamp collection album. Always take interest and observe their collection on a timely basis. Make sure that they never run short of any stamp stockbooks, stamp binders or stamp stockpages. When you start taking interest and guide them regularly, children will become more responsible and will take efforts in safeguarding their collection using different kinds of stamp collecting supplies.

Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com

Stamp collecting accessories are manufactured by many local brands as well. However, they do not have a range of quality philatelic supplies. Choose brands like Lighthouse which is number one worldwide for producing stamp collection albums, stamp stockbooks and many other such items by using good quality material. These stamp collecting accessories will definitely last longer than the ones manufactured by local brands. Moreover, children will take extra care when they know that they are using the best stamp collecting supplies. They would invariably start enjoying the hobby much more.

Children need your care and support. As parents, it is your responsibility to help them engage in hobbies that not only bring in joy but also increase their general knowledge. Without your support, it is very difficult to revive this hobby. So, buy stamp collecting supplies for your children and encourage them continuously. The future of philately lies in your hands. 

Five Antique Indian Coins That You Can Buy Online

Collectors all over the world are fascinated by antique coins of India due to their historical significance and variety. Let’s take a look at some interesting old Indian coins that you can buy online.

Five Kori Kutch Princely State Silver Coin  

This Five Kori Silver coin was issued by Kutch Princely state in 1936. This 13.87 g coin was minted under the regime of Khengarji III at Bhuj Mint. The obverse features a Crescent, Trident and Katar, value, mint name and date 1993, and legends around.  The reverse features a Persian legend and date 1936 with a wreath surrounding the inner inscriptions. If you are looking for Indian coins for sale, then you should definitely consider this beautiful coin.

King George V One Rupee 1919 Silver Coin

This One Rupee silver coin was minted under the regime of King George V at Bombay Mint.  The 11.66 g coin was issued in the year 1919 and featured a crowned bust of the king on the obverse with the inscription GEORGE V KING EMPEROR. The reverse featured the denomination and date with a wreath surrounding the inscriptions at the centre. You can search for trustworthy websites that offer these vintage coins for sale.       

Hyderabad Princely State 1 Rupee Coin

This round-shaped silver rupee was issued at Hyderabad Mint. The obverse of this 10.7 - 11.6 g coin features a legend with the name of Muhammad Shah while the reverse features a Julus Formula.  Since you can now Buy Coins Online, it is not too difficult to acquire this wonderful coin.


 
 Copper Coin of Indore Princely state

This Quarter Anna copper coin of Indore Princely state was issued under the regime of King George V. This 6.2-6.6 g coin was struck at Indore mint with an obverse featuring a Bull in the centre while king's name, title and mint around the central design.  The reverse features the denomination and date in the centre and a serpentine wreath of oak leaves around it.  If you are thinking to buy old Indian coins, then do search for some of these stunning coins from Indore Princely state. 


Copper Coin of Nawanagar Princely State

This copper coin from Nawanagar Princely State bore a denomination of Dokdo and was issued under the regime of Vibhaji. The 6.20-6.40 g coin was struck at nawanagar with a obverse featuring an Arabic inscription and 'Shri Jam off flan' in devnagari.  The reverse also depicts an Arabic inscription.

There are many websites that offer these Old Indian Coins for Sale, but it is always better to shop from authentic and trusted websites.

Why New Age Collectors Buy Stamps Online

Different collectors have different ways in which they build their collection. The most popular way to collect stamps a few years ago was by exchanging them. Collectors used to wait for letters from friends or relatives and then soak envelopes in water. After the stamps were detached from envelops, collectors used to dry them and keep them safe in their stamp book. Whenever they received a stamp that they already had in their collection, they used to get them exchanged for something new from their fellow collector-friends. Times have changed a lot as today you can easily buy stamps online without going through any of these difficulties.

There are many websites where you can order stamps online, especially when you are looking to Buy Indian stamps collection online. It is always recommended to buy Indian stamps online from trusted websites as there are chances that they could be overpriced. It is very important to know the market value of stamps before you buy stamps of India online from any random website. You can buy a good catalogue that lists various stamps along with their approximate market value.

Apart from that, the value of a stamp might vary a lot depending on its rarity, historical significance and condition. Stamps that are rare and are in good condition fetch you good returns when you are looking to sell them later. Refer two to three authentic and trusted websites before you buy Indian stamps online. When you do this, there are chances that one of the websites is offering the same stamp at a lower rate.

Understanding the historical significance of postage stamps is also important before you buy Indian Stamps. When you read up and do your research, you might be able to spot something unique in a stamp that others might not be able to notice. Good and passionate collectors constantly upgrade their knowledge by reading and researching. This keeps them one step ahead of their fellow collectors and helps them take more informed decisions when they orders stamps online.

There was a time when stamp collection was a dying hobby as people stopped using postal services. However, things are looking positive as you will find several websites where you can buy stamps of India online.