Falkland Islands Stamps

Own a Piece of Postal History With Falkland Islands Stamps

Since 1878, the Falkland Islands have issued their own stamps. Not only are Falkland Islands Dependencies stamps prized because of their origin in this tiny British overseas territory, but they're also sought after for their wide range of themes, including penguins and other wildlife. Whether you want one special stamp or are looking to collect a set, you can find the Falkland Islands stamps you're looking for on eBay.

The date of the earliest stamp from the Falklands depends on how you define a stamp. Starting in 1869, post from the Falkland Islands was franked, or marked with a hand stamp to indicate that postage had been paid. It wasn't until 1878 that the first printed stamps were in use. These early stamps are unusual in that the sheets were not perforated; unlike most stamps, they have straight edges. They were also printed on paper without a watermark until 1883.

Among the many different designs issued by the Falklands throughout their history, there are a few that stand out as being of particular historical or artistic importance. These include:

• Bisected stamps: In 1891 and early 1892, the Falklands allowed 1d stamps to be cut in half for use as halfpenny stamps.
• Variant colour stamps: Falklands stamps issued during the First World War have a wide range of different colours as a result of dye shortages.
• 1929 issue: These stamps were the first pictorial issue from the Falkland Islands.
• 1933 issue: This set of 12 stamps commemorated the hundredth anniversary of British control of the Falklands. Complete sets are prized by collectors.

Like most stamps, a Falkland Islands stamp's value depends on its rarity. Probably the rarest stamp from the Falklands was released in 1964 for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Falkland Islands in 1914. This 6d stamp was supposed to feature an image of the cruiser, the HMS Kent. However, some stamps were accidentally produced with an image of the HMS Glasgow instead. A small number were released before the error was discovered, making this a very rare and valuable stamp.

Modern Falkland Islands stamps are produced not only for the island's postal service but for collectors. They often focus on aspects of the island's heritage, including South Atlantic wildlife, maritime history, and marine research. You can also find Falklands stamps commemorating traditionally British subjects, such as royal weddings.