Straits Settlements SG Z60, Z62, Z64, Z65 1855 cover from Singapore to Ireland with the "set" of four India 1854 values

REST OF THE WORLD STAMPS

Foreign & International Stamps - Classic Rarities from Around the World

Foreign and international stamps represent some of philately's most celebrated rarities and collecting opportunities. From early European classics to pioneering issues from emerging nations, international philately offers exceptional material for serious collectors, including primitive issues that have distinctive charm and historical significance.

International Philatelic Experts

We deal with stamps from across the globe, understanding the classic rarities, significant varieties, and market trends that make foreign stamps compelling. Whether you have a comprehensive worldwide collection or specialist foreign material to consign, our team provides the same professional cataloguing and market expertise that achieves the best possible results for sellers.

Thinking About Selling?

Our stamps specialists are here to help - simply tell us about your collection, share some photos, and we'll guide you through every step with care and expertise.

FREE valuation

Your Next Find Awaits

Join collectors worldwide in our upcoming auctions featuring remarkable World stamps with fascinating stories.

Upcoming Auctions

Philatelist Gabriel Gold valuation - Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

Why the World Stamp Community Chooses Us

Our specialists understand the printing characteristics, varieties, and market trends across diverse international territories and periods.

Collectors choose us because of our established reputation, integrity, and expertise built over generations. Our detailed, accurate cataloguing and comprehensive descriptions mean international buyers trust the quality of material we offer.

Our Specialists

As Royal Warrant holders, Stanley Gibbons sets the benchmark for philatelic expertise and ethical dealing. With over 150 years of experience, we understand watermark varieties, perforation measurements, and the significance of rare printings. Our membership in the Philatelic Traders’ Society (PTS) and active role on the British Philatelic Association (BPA) expertising committee ensure every collector benefits from trusted knowledge and professional standards.

Specialist

George James

Head of Philately

gjames@stanleygibbons.com

Specialist

Oscar Young

Philatelist

Oyoung@stanleygibbons.com

Stampex 2024 Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's Catalogue

Upcoming Auctions

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NORTH CHINA: Hebei-Shandong-Henan Border Area 1946 (7 Nov) envelope from Pinyin to Dairen

International Philatelic Expertise

We handle foreign and international stamps from every continent and period in our auctions. Chinese stamps chart the course from Imperial dynasties through revolution to the emergence of the People's Republic, offering collectors material spanning this remarkable transformation. Middle Eastern issues reflect the transition from Ottoman territories to modern nations, whilst European stamps showcase centuries of artistic and technical development.

Bahawalpur 1945 Official unissued high value design proof

Comprehensive Global Coverage

Our international auctions include material from the Americas, Africa, and Oceania, ensuring collectors worldwide can find the foreign stamps they're looking for. We provide the same detailed cataloguing and market expertise for international material that we apply to all our philatelic auctions.

Stamp Valuation Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

Ready to sell with us?

1. Request an estimate

Share photographs and details about your items with our specialists, who will provide you with a free expert valuation.

2. Consign

If you wish to proceed, our experts will guide you through the simple auction process from start to finish.

3. Sell

Your items will be expertly catalogued and marketed to our extensive collector database, designed to achieve the best results.

Request Your Free Valuation

Frequently Asked Questions

World stamps encompass every country outside Great Britain and its territories, offering incredible diversity in design, culture, and history. Unlike British stamps with their consistent royal themes, world stamps reflect each nation's unique identity through art, wildlife, monuments, and cultural celebrations, creating endless collecting possibilities across every continent.

European classics like France, Germany, and Switzerland remain highly sought after for their artistic excellence and printing quality. USA, Japan, and China attract strong interest, whilst emerging markets in Africa and Latin America offer exciting opportunities. Cultural themes like wildlife, space exploration, and art appeal to collectors worldwide.

Both approaches work wonderfully. Country collecting allows deep exploration of national stories and postal history, whilst thematic collecting (wildlife, ships, flowers) spans multiple nations. Many collectors combine approaches, perhaps focusing on European art stamps or Asian wildlife issues. Your interests and available time should guide your strategy.

World stamps offer excellent value across all price ranges. Many countries produce beautiful, historically significant stamps at accessible prices, making them perfect for new collectors. Premium rarities from classic countries can achieve substantial values, whilst modern issues often provide affordable entry points into international collecting.

Look for early issues (pre-1900), stamps from smaller countries, unusual colours or printing errors, and complete sets. Countries that no longer exist often carry premium values. Air mail stamps, high denominations, and stamps with overprints can be particularly valuable. Our specialists can identify hidden treasures you might miss.

European stamps showcase centuries of artistic tradition, featuring some of the world's finest engraving and printing techniques. Countries like France, Switzerland, and Austria are renowned for miniature masterpieces that combine technical excellence with cultural heritage. The rich history and artistic quality make European stamps endlessly fascinating.

Absolutely. Many modern issues feature exceptional artwork and innovative printing techniques. Countries celebrating independence, major anniversaries, or cultural events often produce stamps that become classics. Limited editions, printing varieties, and stamps from smaller nations can show strong appreciation potential whilst being affordable today.

Condition significantly affects value, especially for scarce material. However, many world stamps remain affordable even in perfect condition, making them ideal for quality-focused collecting. Early issues from some countries are accepted in reasonable condition when perfect examples are rare. Always aim for the best condition your budget allows.

Stanley Gibbons world catalogues provide comprehensive coverage of most countries, whilst specialist catalogues exist for major nations. Online resources, country-specific societies, and auction records offer additional insights. Our specialists can guide you through unfamiliar territories and help you understand cultural contexts that make stamps special.

Getting started is simple - fill in the valuation form above with photos and details of your stamps. Alternatively, call us on +44 (0) 208 092 5856, email valuations@stanleygibbons.com, or visit us at 399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LP. Our ancient coin specialists will guide you through the process and answer questions about your collection.

REST OF THE WORLD STAMPS

Foreign & International Stamps - Classic Rarities from Around the World

International Philatelic Experts

Thinking About Selling?

Your Next Find Awaits

Why the World Stamp Community Chooses Us

Our Specialists

Upcoming Auctions

International Philatelic Expertise

Comprehensive Global Coverage

Ready to sell with us?

1. Request an estimate

2. Consign

3. Sell

Frequently Asked Questions

What are "world stamps" and how do they differ from British stamps

Which world stamp countries are most popular with collectors?

Should I collect by individual countries or by themes?

Are world stamps more affordable than British stamps?

How do I identify valuable world stamps in an inherited collection?

What makes European stamps so special to collectors?

Are modern world stamps worth collecting?

How important is condition for world stamp values?

How do I research world stamps and their histories?

How can I sell my world stamps?