Description
The Definitive Guide to Collecting the Stamps of Great Britain and the Commonwealth
Trusted by collectors and dealers worldwide, Stanley Gibbons’ Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps 1840–1970 – 2024 Edition remains the most authoritative and up-to-date reference for British Commonwealth philately. Covering Great Britain, the Empire, and Commonwealth countries from the very first stamp in 1840 through 1970, this comprehensive catalogue is an essential tool for anyone involved in this dynamic market.
Every stamp is listed and priced, with extensive details on variations in watermark, paper, perforation, and printing methods, along with major shades, important plate flaws, errors, government telegraph stamps, booklets, officials, and postage dues. Uniquely organized by SG number, the catalogue is fully illustrated in colour for easy reference.
Throughout the catalogue, collectors will find valuable guidance on unusual usages, overprint settings, forgeries, and more—making it as educational as it is practical. An expanded series of expert notes in this edition provides even greater collecting insight.
Key Features:
- The definitive reference for Great Britain and Commonwealth stamps from 1840–1970
- Comprehensive listings including varieties, flaws, errors, and postal stationery
- Expert guidance on rare usages, forgery identification, and overprints
- Full-colour illustrations throughout
- Unique SG numbering system
- A detailed six-page article on stamp condition
- A helpful guide to valuing stamps on commercial covers up to 1945
- Durable casebound binding designed for frequent use
New and Expanded in the 2024 Edition:
- A brand-new priced listing of the Departmental Officials of South Australia, covering over 50 government departments that issued stamps overprinted with their initials
- New research on remainder cancellations for British South Africa Company stamps when Northern and Southern Rhodesia were created in 1924
- A significantly expanded and fully priced section on India and Pakistan stamps used in Dubai prior to the British Postal Agencies in Eastern Arabia
- New plates and entirely new listings for Great Britain stamps used in South and Central America
- Additional plate and watermark varieties throughout, including new “Damaged Frame and Crown” flaws on Edward VII ‘Imperium’ keyplates, plus updates for Antigua, Ascension, Australia, Ceylon, South Africa, and more
- New collector notes to assist with identifying scarce varieties, avoiding forgeries, and clarifying printings, release dates, and other key details
- Previously unillustrated varieties now featured for the first time in areas such as Canada, India, and Malaysia
- Valuations added to several previously unpriced varieties
- Comprehensive price revisions across nearly every country and period from the 1850s to the 1960s, reflecting strong market demand—especially for Commonwealth stamps in fine condition
Whether you’re an avid collector, active buyer, or professional dealer, this updated edition is an indispensable reference for navigating one of the world’s most vibrant collecting areas. Stay informed, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your collecting potential with the 2024 Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps 1840–1970 catalogue—available now from Stanley Gibbons.
