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Rare Stamps Produced In Independent India From The 1960s - 1980s

Julian Manning

This year four rare stamps from India were sold for the jaw-dropping price of 500,000 pounds at an UK auction. Indian stamps are often featured in curated lists of the world’s rarest stamps, however the price tag of half a million pounds for a set of stamps featuring the face of Gandhi set a new high water mark altogether. This spurred us to compile a list of Indian philatelist should get their hands on, the only difference is you can get these babies for a lot less.

It’s important to state two things about the below stamps. Firstly, none belong to the uber rare Victorian and East India Company era of stamps. Although those stamps are highly coveted because of their age and scarcity, they are more than a bit drab. We’ve instead chosen stamps produced in independent India from the 1960s - 1980s. These postage stamps are veritable works of art and are both picturesque and patriotic. Secondly, many stamp collectors seem to almost fetishise mistakes made in stamps, perhaps because minute facillcies enhance the rarity of the stamp.

We however have chosen to select a few stamps that aesthetically represent the craftsmanship that once went into Indian stamps.

Issued in 1963 in preservation of wildlife series
Issued in 1963 for the preservation of wildlife series.

Olympics

XXIII Olympic Games - Los Angeles - 1984
XXIII Olympic Games - Los Angeles - 1984

Army

Issued in 1973 to mark the Bicentenary of the President's Bodyguard , Issued in 1978 to mark the 175th Anniversary of the Skinner's Horse (Cavalry Regiment).
Issued in 1975 to mark the Bicentenary of the Army Ordinance Corps.

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