Author: AmitL

Just five sheets from Dad’s #Travancore stamps/covers collection. Each sheet is handwritten/drawn by him, when explaining the postmarks.

A fascinating aspect of Travancore’s postal history, highlighting different types of postmarks and cancellations. Here’s an overview of these philatelic gems:

The first page discusses the division of Travancore postmarks into vernacular and English groups.

A key feature is the pre-stamp circular date postmark, typically found in a rimless circle with concentric arcs.

The sample postmark from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) dates back to the pre-stamp period.

Delivery Postmarks

A postmark from Nagercoil features a double-ringed circular date stamp with “DELY.” (short for delivery).

The date format is structured with abbreviations for the month and year.

The postmark is flanked by four-pointed stars, which is a distinct design element.

Refused Mail Cancellations

A rectangular “REFUSED” cancellation appears on registered items.

The example from Chengannur A.O. is dated 27 Kar 118 (Travancore Era).

Another example from Parur A.O. is in a slightly larger rectangular format and dated 4th Thu 122.

Express Delivery (അടിയന്തിരം – “Adiyanthiram”)

Express service markings are prominently displayed.

The first example is from Ettumanoor A.O., dated 26 DHA 88.

Another example from Nagercoil, dated 29 VRI 105, shows a similar rectangular marking.

Express Service Markings of Travancore

This marking is divided into three sections, with “ATIYANTRAM” (Express) at the top.

The middle sections contain words like “SAMAYAM” (Time), “MANI” (Hour), and “MINITTU” (Minutes).

English versions of these markings are also seen on registration slips.

Zero euro notes ..set of 12…each depicting an event from Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

Another unique part: all notes end in 786.

Only collector value, of course.

A collection of Dhar State coins, specifically Paisa coins, from Dhar, a princely state in central India (now part of Madhya Pradesh).

Historical Background of Dhar State Coins:

• Dhar State was a princely state under British India, and it issued its own coinage before the introduction of the Indian rupee.
• Coins from Dhar are known for their unique designs, often featuring Hindu mythological figures.
• The collection particularly highlights coins with Hanuman depictions, which were significant in Dhar’s local culture.

Details:

• The coins are labeled “DHAR STATE PAISA”, indicating their denomination and origin.
• Some coins are marked with “Hanuman”, suggesting they feature the image of the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman.
• There are references to “Die Variation Hanuman”, which implies there are different versions of the same coin with slight differences in die design.
• Some labels mention “Square Planchet”, meaning a few coins were struck on square-shaped metal blanks rather than the standard round shape.
• The handwritten red Hanuman figure on the holders further suggests a thematic focus on the Hanuman imagery.

Why Are These Coins Important?

1. Cultural Significance – Dhar State coins featuring Hanuman reflect the regional religious influence and devotion to the deity.
2. Numismatic Rarity – Variations in the dies and planchets (e.g., square coins) make them valuable to collectors.
3. Historical Context – These coins were issued in a period when princely states had their own monetary systems before Indian unification.

These are Notgeld (emergency money) issued for the Gefangenen-Lager Dyrotz, a prisoner-of-war (POW) camp in Germany. Notgeld was commonly issued during times of economic crisis, especially during and after World War I, when there were shortages of official currency.

Key Features of These Notgelds:
Issued by Gefangenen-Lager Dyrotz

Dyrotz was a POW camp, likely in Germany, where these notes were used internally for transactions among prisoners.
They were not public legal tender (as indicated on the notes: Kein öffentliches Zahlungsmittel).
Denominations and Design

The notes in the image include different values: 5 Pfennig, 50 Pfennig, 2 Mark, 3 Mark, and 5 Mark.
Each note has decorative borders and the term Gutschein, which means “voucher” or “coupon”.
Some have official stamps or markings, which could indicate validation for circulation within the camp.
Security and Warning Text

These notes carry a warning: Wer diesen Schein nachmacht oder verfälscht oder Fälschungen versuht, wird strafrechtlich verfolgt.
Meaning: “Whoever forges or falsifies this note or attempts counterfeiting will be prosecuted.”
This suggests they were carefully controlled within the camp system.

Historical Context:

During WWI and WWII, many POW camps issued their own Notgeld to control economic activities within the camp, preventing prisoners from using official currency.
These types of notes were often exchanged for goods in camp canteens but had no value outside the camp.
Collectibility & Value:
These POW camp Notgelds are rare and highly collectible, especially if they are in good condition and have clear stamps or signatures.

These images showcase a collection of Indian miniature stamps, each featuring a unique theme. Here’s an overview of the stamps in your collection:

1. Sports and Olympics Stamps (Image 1):
   • Stamps related to the 2012 London Olympics, 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
   • These commemorate India’s participation and the global impact of these sporting events.
2. Handlooms and Children’s Day Stamps (Image 2):
   • The Handlooms of India series showcases traditional Indian textiles and weaving techniques, highlighting India’s rich heritage in handloom production.
   • Children’s Day stamps feature colorful depictions of childhood themes, promoting awareness of children’s welfare and rights.
3. Child Rights and Communal Harmony Stamps (Image 3):
   • Stamps themed on Children’s Day, Child Rights, and Communal Harmony, emphasizing India’s commitment to social values.
   • Some stamps depict historical figures and events promoting unity and inclusivity.
4. Historical and Institutional Commemorations (Image 4):
   • Indians in the First World War, recognizing Indian soldiers’ contributions to major battlefronts.
   • Allahabad High Court Sesquicentennial Celebrations, marking 150 years of India’s judicial history.
   • 100 Years of Coconut Research, commemorating advancements in India’s agricultural research.
5. Indian Cultural Heritage and Telecommunications (Image 5):
   • Stamps featuring Indian Hand Fans (Pankha), showcasing traditional hand-crafted fans.
   • Indian Telecommunications, highlighting the evolution of communication in India.
   • More Children’s Day stamps, emphasizing themes of joy, education, and nature.

These stamps reflect India’s diverse cultural, historical, and social contributions while being a valuable collector’s item.

‘Pride of our U.A.E. coin collection’, I’d say.. a beautiful set, two with PF 69 grading, one with the highest, PF 70.

This beautiful seven-coin silver set, in a super gift box, was released in 2021 to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary and pay tribute to the founding fathers. Each coin in this set features a black-and-white image of a founding father alongside a color image of a current member of the Supreme Council of the Union. Only 3,000 of these sets were made available to the public.

Below: A closer look in two parts, at the seven coins, one for each Emirate, in the series.