British India 9 Pies Postage Stamp Featuring King George VI
The stamp featured in the image is a 9 pies (9 PS) British India postage stamp, depicting King George VI, who was the British monarch from 1936 to 1952. This stamp was issued during his reign and was used extensively for postal services in pre-independence India, between 1937 and 1947. The design, printing style, and denomination reflect the colonial era, marking an important phase in India’s postal history.
Design and Features
This green-colored stamp prominently displays a left-profile portrait of King George VI, wearing the Imperial Crown and an elaborate ceremonial military uniform. The portrait is framed by an ornate decorative border, adding a touch of grandeur and formality typical of British colonial stamps. The top corners of the stamp contain the denomination “9 PS” (9 pies), a unit of the Indian monetary system at the time. The bottom of the stamp bears the inscription “INDIA POSTAGE”, denoting its use within British India.
The stamp was printed using intaglio or letterpress printing, techniques widely used during the British colonial period for high-quality postal issues. Its detailed design, elegant typography, and rich historical context make it a highly sought-after piece among philatelists and history enthusiasts alike.
Historical Context and Issuance
This stamp was issued under the rule of King George VI, who became the Emperor of India after the abdication of his elder brother, King Edward VIII, in 1936. His reign coincided with some of the most tumultuous events in Indian history, including:
- World War II (1939–1945), which saw India as a major contributor to the British war effort.
- The Indian independence movement, which was gaining momentum during this period.
- The eventual end of British rule in 1947, leading to the partition of India and Pakistan.
During this era, British India’s postal system played a crucial role in communication across the vast subcontinent. Stamps featuring British monarchs were the standard until August 15, 1947, when India gained independence and later introduced its own national postage stamps, featuring leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.
Monetary System and Usage
The denomination of this stamp, 9 pies, belonged to the pre-decimal Indian currency system, which followed this structure:
- 12 pies = 1 anna
- 16 annas = 1 rupee
The 9 pies stamp was a low-value denomination, often used for sending postcards, domestic letters, and newspapers. It was affordable and widely used, making it a common issue during its time.
Philatelic Value and Collectibility
Today, British India stamps, especially those featuring King George VI, are highly collectible. Factors that affect the value of such stamps include:
- Condition (mint vs. used, quality of print)
- Rarity (limited print runs, postal cancellations, and errors)
- Historical significance (stamps from the independence era are especially valued)
This 9 pies King George VI stamp is not just a piece of postal history but a symbol of India’s colonial past, reflecting an era when British rule dictated all aspects of governance, including communications. It remains an important artifact for philatelists and history lovers alike.