China's first postage stamps:What were China's first postage stamps and when were they issued?

Q: What were China's first postage stamps and when were they issued?

A: China's first postage stamps were the Large Dragons, issued in 1878 by the Qing dynasty's Imperial Maritime Customs Service. They featured a five-clawed dragon, a symbol of imperial power, set against a background of clouds and waves. The stamps came in three denominations: 1 candareen (green), 3 candareens (red), and 5 candareens (yellow). They were printed using copperplate engraving in Shanghai and were initially used for mail between Beijing and Tianjin, later expanding to other treaty ports. The Large Dragons marked China's entry into the modern postal system, replacing traditional courier services. Their design was influenced by Western stamp aesthetics but retained strong Chinese cultural elements. Today, they are highly prized by collectors, with early printings and complete sets fetching high prices at auctions. The issuance of the Large Dragons was a significant step in China's modernization and integration into global communication networks.

Q: Why are the Large Dragons considered important in Chinese postal history?

A: The Large Dragons hold a pivotal place in Chinese postal history because they represent the first official postage stamps issued by China. Before their introduction in 1878, mail in China was handled by various local and imperial courier systems, which lacked standardization and efficiency. The Large Dragons were created as part of the Imperial Maritime Customs Service's efforts to modernize the postal system, initially to serve foreign diplomats and merchants in treaty ports. Their success led to the expansion of postal services across the country. The stamps also reflect the Qing dynasty's attempt to adapt to Western administrative practices while maintaining Chinese cultural identity through the dragon motif. From a philatelic perspective, the Large Dragons are significant for their multiple printings, variations in paper and perforation, and the intricate details of their engraving. They are not only historical artifacts but also a testament to China's early engagement with globalization. Their legacy continued with subsequent issues like the Small Dragons and the Red Revenue stamps, which are also highly collectible.

Q: How can collectors identify authentic Large Dragon stamps versus forgeries?

A: Identifying authentic Large Dragon stamps requires careful examination of several key features. First, authentic stamps were printed on thin, wove paper with no watermark. The engraving is sharp and detailed, with clear lines in the dragon's scales and clouds. Forgeries often have blurry or simplified designs. Second, the perforations on genuine stamps are typically 12.5 gauge, though some early printings were imperforate. Irregular or wrong-sized perforations are a red flag. Third, check the color: genuine stamps have distinct shades like green, red, and yellow, but these can vary due to aging; be wary of overly bright or dull colors. Fourth, the gum on mint stamps should be original, thin, and slightly yellowish; forged gum may be thick or uneven. Fifth, expertization is crucial: consult catalogs like Stanley Gibbons or China's Ma's Illustrated Catalogue for reference, and seek authentication from reputable philatelic services. Finally, provenance and certificates from recognized experts can confirm authenticity. Due to their high value, many forgeries exist, so thorough research and expert advice are essential before purchasing any Large Dragon stamp.

Words of experience

Common scenarios of "China's first postage stamps"

【李老师】 同学们，今天我们来聊聊中国第一枚邮票。你们知道它是什么吗？

【小明】 是不是大龙邮票？我在课外书上看到过。

【李老师】 没错！大龙邮票是中国发行的第一套邮票，发行于1878年。

【小红】 为什么叫“大龙”呢？是因为上面有龙吗？

【李老师】 是的，邮票图案是一条五爪金龙，因为邮票尺寸较大，所以俗称“大龙邮票”。

【小明】 那这套邮票一共有几枚啊？

【李老师】 大龙邮票一共有3枚，面值分别是1分银、3分银和5分银。

【小红】 面值为什么用“分银”呢？

【李老师】 因为当时中国海关试办邮政，采用银两制，所以面值以银为单位。

【小明】 那这套邮票是谁设计的？

【李老师】 设计者目前尚无定论，但通常认为是海关的外籍人士参与设计，图案具有中国传统文化元素。

【小红】 大龙邮票现在是不是很值钱？

【李老师】 是的，因为年代久远、存世量少，大龙邮票是珍贵的文物，价格不菲。

【小明】 那它是在哪里发行的？

【李老师】 最初在上海、北京、天津等地发行，后来逐渐扩展到其他通商口岸。

【小红】 大龙邮票之后还有小龙邮票吗？

【李老师】 有，1885年发行了小龙邮票，图案类似但尺寸较小，面值也以银为单位。

【小明】 为什么中国第一枚邮票是海关发行的，而不是邮政部门？

【李老师】 因为当时中国近代邮政尚未正式建立，由海关总税务司试办邮政，所以大龙邮票由海关发行。

【小红】 原来如此，大龙邮票真是中国邮政史上的重要里程碑。