King George VI Stamps

King George VI stamps, issued from 1936 to 1952, represent a pivotal era in British philately, marked by the tumultuous events of World War II and the subsequent post-war recovery period.

Collecting King George VI Stamps

Collecting King George VI stamps offers philatelists a window into the wartime philately of Britain.

Several key George VI stamp issues are of particular interest to collectors. The first definitive stamps issued in 1937, featuring the left-facing profile of King George VI, are iconic. Their sleek single-colour designs can feel very familiar, with many similarities to modern definitives.

A historically significant issue is the 1937 Coronation – the first British commemorative stamp to mark the coronation of a monarch. Post-war issues, including those commemorating the London 1948 Olympic Games and the 1949 Universal Postal Union, are also popular additions to any collection.

Wartime Philately: A Reflection of History

British wartime stamps from King George VI's era are notable for their reflection of the period’s hardships and resilience. Wartime printing restrictions led to simpler designs and fewer colour variations. However, these constraints did not diminish the historical value of the stamps. On the contrary, they highlight the challenges of the time and the role of postage in maintaining communication during the war.