Bhutan Stamps: Quirky Collectibles of the Himalayas

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Bhutan Stamps
Quirky Collectibles of the Himalayas

FIND BHUTAN STAMPS AND POSTAL COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a diminutive Himalayan kingdom between India and Tibet near Nepal. Though small on the world stage, Bhutan stamps represent some of the most interesting and non-traditional collectibles in the entire hobby. Bhutanese stamps are legendary for their use of technology, their lack of traditional rules, and their downright humor.

Incorporating up-to-the-minute technology in wholly novel ways, and with a tendency to think outside the box, Bhutan stamps are an endless source of enthusiasm – and, yes, amusement – for stamp collectors.

Bhutan Stamps – Details and Background

Bhutan stamp values use the currency 1 ngultrum = 100 chetrum. Stamps are printed in Bhutanese (Tibetan) script. Bhutan stamps generally include a short version of the country’s name, rendered as འབྲུག, but virtually always include the English inscription “Bhutan” as well. (This is often the only English to appear on the stamp.)

See also: Tibet rare stamps for philatelists and other buyers

Notable Bhutan Stamp Issues

Bhutan’s first stamps were issued in 1962. Under the influence of the American Burt Todd, Bhutan quickly began a tradition of designing and releasing unusual postage stamps. In 1967, the nation used 3D technology on some stamps showing astronauts. They wouldn’t be the last to issue 3D stamps (and this wouldn’t be their last time, either), but Bhutan helped pave the way for the approach. Bhutan’s 1967 astronaut issues are still popular among collectors.

Gold foil stamps, depicting (and, of course, resembling) coins were released by Bhutan in honor of its kings. There had been postage stamps that honored other postage stamps, but the crossover idea of appealing to both coin and stamp collectors was a stroke of genius on the part of Bhutan. A complete set of these is an especially fun goal for a collector to strive for.

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Bhutanese Phonograph Record Stamps

Perhaps most famously, a 1973 series of seven stamps (including two airmail stamps) were in fact tiny round, playable phonograph records. In the scratchiest audio quality imaginable, the tracks included folk songs and Bhutanese history overviews in both Bhutanese and English. These were all actually used postally, giving them a legitimacy that some strictly-for-philatelists items may lack.

In 2008, and again in 2009, Bhutan continued its bold, experimental postage stamp philosophy by issuing a series of the world’s first CD-ROM postage stamps, which featured videos of Bhutan. Clearly gimmicky, but philatelically undeniable.

Buying Bhutan Stamps Today

In addition to these unusual stamps, there have been many regular issues by Bhutan that appeal to collectors worldwide. If stamps printed on wood, plastic, or CD-ROMs aren’t your thing (or if you already have them all) there are a large number of strikingly-designed souvenir sheets from Bhutan to choose from. Also, check out the first day covers, maximum cards, minisheets, and other subcategories of rare and collectible Bhutanese stamps.

Browse 349 current Bhutan stamps and postal collectibles for sale offers here

Many a collector has gotten their foot caught in the Bhutan stamps trap, happily endeavoring for years to keep adding items to their hoards. So watch out, and if it happens to you – well, congratulations! 

Bhutan stamps and postal collectibles for sale

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Showing 21 - 30 of 349

BHUTAN 8 NGULTRUM 1973 *PHONOGRAPH RECORD AS STAMP* MINT SCARCE UNUSUAL STAMP

Seller: worldcurrencyandcoin ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (35,760 ratings)
Location: United States

$159.99

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BHUTAN 15 CH.1978 *GOLD FOIL* STAMP POSTALLY USED BHUTANESE SAARC COVER Asia

Seller: worldcurrencyandcoin ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (35,760 ratings)
Location: United States

$29.99

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BHUTAN 10 CH 1977 SCOUT RECORD PHONOGRAPH STAMP POSTAL USED COVER RARE HISTORY

Seller: worldcurrencyandcoin ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (35,760 ratings)
Location: United States

$299.99

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BHUTAN 1.50 2 6 NU Set 1969 SPACE CRAFT *001 USS STEEL FOIL Stamp Unique ITEM

Seller: worldcurrencyandcoin ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (35,760 ratings)
Location: United States

$19.99

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BHUTAN 25 Ch 3 7 8 9 N Phonograph Record as STAMPS 1973 MINT Music Bhutanese SET

Seller: worldcurrencyandcoin ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (35,760 ratings)
Location: United States

$599.99

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Bhutan 2 NU 1969 SPACE CRAFT Steel Stamp *001 USS STEEL FOIL Unique ITEM

Seller: worldcurrencyamericas ★★★★★★★★★★ 99.5% (2,045 ratings)
Location: United States

$9.99

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BHUTAN 25 1.25 3 7 8 9 Phonograph Record as STAMPS 1973 MINT Music Bhutanese SET

Seller: worldcurrencyandcoin ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (35,760 ratings)
Location: United States

$799.99

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Bhutan 3D fungi Mushroom mint never hinged stamps A14014

Seller: trade-price-stamps-2015 ★★★★★★★★★★ 99.9% (29,010 ratings)
Location: United Kingdom

$15.49 or best offer

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BHUTAN 1966- King Jigmes,​ Gold Foil Round Embossed Stamp,​ Complete Set of 9,​ MNH

Seller: indianstamp2003-6 ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.4% (752 ratings)
Location: India

$34.99

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Bhutan mint never hinged stamps Ref 62005

Seller: trade-price-stamps-2015 ★★★★★★★★★★ 99.9% (29,010 ratings)
Location: United Kingdom

$10.32 or best offer

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