Fiji — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Post Fiji Limited is Fiji’s national postal operator. Fiji has one of the Pacific’s richest philatelic histories, with stamps dating from 1870 under King Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau — the last king of Fiji before British colonial annexation in 1874. Fiji’s stamps span the Cakobau Kingdom’s brief issues, a long and distinguished British colonial period, and post-independence stamps from 1970. Fiji’s extraordinary marine environment, the indigenous iTaukei Fijian culture, and the Indo-Fijian cultural heritage are reflected in post-independence stamps.

Notable Stamp Issues

Fiji’s first stamps in 1870 were the “Cakobau” government issues — hand-stamped on paper using a locally-made device, among the Pacific’s earliest and most primitive stamps. The subsequent Times of Fiji newspaper stamps and 1871 rouletted issues are rare Pacific collectables. British colonial Fiji stamps from 1874 follow standard Crown Colony designs. The 1938–1940 pictorial definitives featuring canoes, sugar cane, and the River Rewa are charming colonial issues. Post-independence stamps feature the parrotfish, giant clam, hawksbill sea turtle, and traditional Fijian tapa cloth patterns.

Collecting Tips

Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth catalogue covers Fiji. The 1870–1872 Cakobau Kingdom stamps are rare Pacific classics — expertisation recommended. British colonial Fiji stamps (1874–1970) are standard Commonwealth material. Fijian coral reef wildlife stamps are popular with marine thematic collectors. Kula (Fijian parakeet) and collared lory stamps attract bird collectors. Traditional Fijian meke dance and kava ceremony stamps are popular with Pacific cultural thematic collectors. Fiji’s coup-era postal history (multiple coups from 1987) is documented through postal history research.

Part of the Oceania Postal Directory.