Great Britain · Reign
King George VI Stamps: A Collector's Guide
King George VI reigned from 1936 to 1952, through the Second World War and the years of recovery, and his stamps reflect that era. They include the definitive heads of everyday postage, wartime issues printed in economical form, and commemoratives marking the great events of the time, such as victory and the 1948 Royal Silver Wedding. Most George VI stamps are affordable and very collectable, while certain high values, shades and varieties are scarcer.
At a glance
Stamps of war and recovery
George VI came to the throne in 1936 and reigned through a defining period of British history. His stamps mirror the times: dignified definitives for daily use, wartime issues produced economically as resources were scarce, and commemoratives marking moments such as victory in 1946 and the Royal Silver Wedding of 1948.
It is an accessible and meaningful reign to collect, rich in history and mostly affordable. Our Great Britain stamps hub places it between George V and Queen Elizabeth II.
A note on Edward VIII
The reign that barely was
Between George V and George VI came the brief reign of Edward VIII in 1936, who abdicated before a coronation. His reign was so short that only a small number of stamps were issued, a simple definitive series, before George VI succeeded him. Edward VIII stamps are a small but distinctive corner of British collecting, and a curiosity every collector of the period encounters.
History you can hold
Affordable, and full of meaning
From wartime economy printings to the victory and Royal Silver Wedding commemoratives, the George VI reign links directly to a defining chapter of British history, and most of its stamps remain very affordable.
How to recognise a George VI stamp
A George VI stamp is recognised by the profile of the King, with no country name and a denomination in pre-decimal currency. The reign's stamps run from everyday definitives to pictorial commemoratives, and, as always, the exact stamp is pinned down by watermark, perforation and shade. Our guides to identifying British stamps, watermarks and perforations explain the method, and the profile distinguishes George VI from his father George V and his daughter Elizabeth II.
What George VI stamps are worth
Our King George VI stamp values guide sets out what the reign is worth in full. In short, most George VI stamps are affordable and very collectable, which makes the reign a rewarding and accessible one. Value comes from the higher values, scarcer shades and printings, fine condition, and certain varieties. As with every reign, condition matters more than age, and catalogue value is only a guide to the actual price. Our guides to what affects a stamp's value and condition and value explain how to judge a stamp.
Collecting George VI stamps
History and affordability
The George VI period is an excellent one for the collector who values history and affordability. A representative collection of the reign is easily built, while the high values, wartime printings and varieties give the specialist plenty to pursue. The link to wartime Britain gives the stamps a particular resonance. We are glad to help you find George VI material, honestly described and photographed front and back; browse our Great Britain stamps, or ask us what is available.
Frequently asked questions
The British stamps of George VI's reign, from 1936 to 1952, including the definitive heads, economical wartime issues, and commemoratives marking events such as victory and the 1948 Royal Silver Wedding.
Yes, but very few. His reign in 1936 was so brief, ending in abdication, that only a small definitive series was issued before George VI succeeded him. They are a distinctive small corner of British collecting.
By the profile of George VI, with no country name and pre-decimal currency. Watermark, perforation and shade pin down the exact stamp, and the profile distinguishes him from George V and Elizabeth II.
Most are affordable and very collectable. Value comes from the higher values, scarcer shades and printings, and certain varieties. Condition matters more than age.
The stamps of wartime Britain
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Founder and stamp dealerLast updated June 2026