Malta — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

MaltaPost p.l.c. is Malta’s national postal operator, a public company operating under licence from the Maltese government. Malta’s philatelic history begins with British colonial administration — British stamps used in Malta from 1857 with distinctive Maltese Cross cancellations (letter A) are among the most sought-after examples of British stamps used abroad. Malta began issuing its own stamps in 1860 and has produced a distinguished series of issues reflecting its unique history at the crossroads of Mediterranean civilisations.

Notable Stamp Issues

Malta’s earliest distinct stamps are the 1860 issue with “MALTA” overprint on British stamps. The 1885 Queen Victoria issues are classic British colonial designs. The 1922 overprints marking the granting of self-government are an important milestone. Malta’s 1956 pictorial definitives — featuring the ancient cart tracks, the Auberge de Castille, and St Paul — are finely executed. The 1964 independence stamps mark Malta’s transition from colony to republic. Post-independence Malta has produced beautiful stamps on the Knights of St John, World War II (the George Cross island), and Maltese prehistory.

Collecting Tips

British stamps with the distinctive Maltese Cross cancellation (A obliterator) — used 1857–1884 — are highly prized items. These are listed in Stanley Gibbons British Commonwealth catalogues. Malta’s colonial definitive series across different reigns are a classic Commonwealth collecting area. The WWII George Cross stamps and covers from the Siege of Malta (1940–1942) are historically significant. MaltaPost’s modern programme includes thematic issues on Maltese art, architecture, and naval history.

Part of the Europe Postal Directory.