Issued on May 2, 1946, this complete set of surcharged airmail stamps from the Republic of China represents a significant transitional period following the end of World War II and the onset of post-war inflation. The base designs are reissues of the earlier “Plane over the Great Wall” series, each stamp featuring a monoplane flying above a dramatic mountain segment of the Great Wall—a powerful symbol of China's resilience and historical identity. The 1946 surcharges were applied to adapt these pre-existing issues to new monetary values reflecting rampant currency devaluation during the late Republican period. The new values, printed in black within framed numerals, are paired with additional Chinese text indicating revised postal rates under government authorization. The set consists of five values: 15c surcharged to $53, 25c to $73, 30c to $23, 200c to $100, and 500c to $200. All stamps are engraved and printed by the Chinese Bureau of Engraving and Printing, perforated line 14, and measure 43 x 25 mm. The inscriptions remain in traditional script, and each stamp maintains the aesthetic composition of the original series while overprinting reflects both fiscal necessity and bureaucratic continuity. Catalogued as Michel CN-IM 680–684, Scott C43–C47, Yvert PA31(A)–PA35(A), SG CN-IM 825–829, and China Stamp Society AM90–AM94, this set is highly collectible as a complete group and provides insight into the economic instability and postal adaptations of the Republican era. The specimens shown here are unused with original gum, some with hinge marks or mild gum irregularities, but overall fresh and visually striking.
Estimate "$130 – 170"