For serious philatelists, the thrill of the hunt is almost as rewarding as the acquisition itself. Singapore's philatelic history, though relatively brief compared to some countries, offers a fascinating array of rare and valuable stamps that have become the crown jewels of collections worldwide.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most coveted Singapore stamps, their historical significance, current market values, and where dedicated collectors might have a chance to acquire these treasures.
The Straits Settlements Era (1867-1942)
Before Singapore issued its own stamps, the colony used Straits Settlements stamps, which now represent some of the most valuable items in Singapore philately.
1. The 1867 Queen Victoria High Values
The crown jewels of early Singapore philately are undoubtedly the high-value stamps from the first Straits Settlements issue. These stamps were created when the Straits Settlements (Singapore, Penang, and Malacca) became a Crown Colony separate from India.
- 96c Grey - With fewer than 50 known examples, this is one of the rarest Straits Settlements stamps. Current value: S$15,000-25,000 depending on condition.
- $2 Blue - Another extremely rare high value. Current value: S$18,000-30,000.
Where to find them: These stamps rarely appear at public auctions. Your best chance is through specialized auction houses like Spink Singapore or through connections with established dealers who might have access to private collections being liquidated.
2. The 1879 "Surcharged" Provisional Issue
In 1879, a shortage of 5-cent and 10-cent stamps led to the surcharged provisionals, where existing stamps were overprinted with new values. Errors in these surcharges have created some of the most valuable Straits Settlements rarities.
The infamous "7 on 32c" surcharge error, where only 9 examples are known to exist, last sold at auction for over S$38,000.
Where to find them: These appear occasionally at specialized auctions. Authentication is critical, as forgeries are common.
The Japanese Occupation Period (1942-1945)
During the Japanese occupation of Singapore, existing Straits Settlements stamps were overprinted with Japanese inscriptions. These stamps are historically significant and highly collectible.
3. The "Double Overprint" Errors
Among the most prized are the "double overprint" errors, where the Japanese inscription was mistakenly applied twice. These are extremely rare and highly valued by specialists.
The 1942 8c grey with double overprint is particularly scarce, with fewer than 20 verified examples. Current value: S$5,000-8,000.
Where to find them: These occasionally appear at auctions in Singapore and Hong Kong. The Singapore Philatelic Museum sometimes hosts exhibitions where rare examples are displayed (though not for sale).
The Modern Singapore Era (1948-present)
4. The 1948 Silver Wedding Issue
After the war, Singapore used Malayan Union stamps until its own issues appeared. The 1948 Silver Wedding high value ($5 blue) is considered a classic and is highly sought after, especially in mint condition.
Current value for a mint, never-hinged example: S$1,200-1,800.
5. The 1969 150th Anniversary Issue Errors
To commemorate 150 years since Singapore's founding by Sir Stamford Raffles, a special issue was released in 1969. A small number of these stamps were printed with color errors, creating instant rarities.
The 6c value with the missing red color is extremely rare, with only one sheet of 100 stamps known to have escaped into circulation. Current value for a single example: S$3,000-5,000.
Where to find them: Specialized dealers in Singapore like Tian Stamps or at the annual Singapore Stamp Exhibition held usually at Suntec City.
6. The 1992 Heritage Series Error
One of the most famous modern Singapore stamp errors occurred in the 1990-92 Heritage Series. A small number of the $2 Bras Basah sheet were printed with missing gold color in the denomination. These are highly prized by modern Singapore collectors.
Current value: S$1,500-2,500 for a single stamp.
Tips for Finding Rare Singapore Stamps
For collectors hoping to add these rarities to their collections, patience and networking are key. Here are some strategies:
- Join the Singapore Philatelic Society - Membership provides access to their quarterly auctions where rarities occasionally appear.
- Develop relationships with established dealers - Dealers like Tian Stamps and Stanley Gibbons Singapore often have access to private collections before they reach public auction.
- Attend international philatelic exhibitions - Events like the World Stamp Exhibition often bring rare items to the market.
- Check unexpected sources - Estate sales and general auctions sometimes include stamp collections where rarities might be overlooked or undervalued.
- Be vigilant online - While caution is needed (authentication is essential), online platforms occasionally offer rare finds at attractive prices.
Remember that for very rare stamps, obtaining expertization certificates from recognized authorities like the BPA (British Philatelic Association) or the Singapore Philatelic Society's Expert Committee is essential before making significant purchases.
Authentication - The Critical Step
Given the high value of rare Singapore stamps, forgeries and altered stamps are unfortunately common. Before making any significant purchase, ensure that:
- The stamp has a certificate of authenticity from a recognized expert committee
- You examine the stamp under appropriate conditions (good lighting, magnification)
- You compare the paper, perforations, and printing with known genuine examples
- For very valuable items, consider getting a second opinion
At RiaccAbbra Singapore Collectors Club, we offer authentication services for members and can guide collectors through this critical process.
Conclusion
Collecting rare Singapore stamps connects us to our heritage and the historical journey of our nation. While these philatelic treasures require significant investment, their historical importance and continued appreciation make them wonderful additions to any serious collection.
Whether you're a seasoned philatelist or just beginning your collecting journey, the hunt for these Singapore rarities offers excitement, challenge, and ultimately, the satisfaction of preserving an important piece of our nation's history.
For more information on stamp collecting or to connect with fellow philatelists, consider joining our monthly stamp group meetings at RiaccAbbra. Our community of experienced collectors is always ready to welcome new members and share their knowledge.