Burkina Faso Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Burkina Faso Stamps
Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation situated in West Africa, historically part of French West Africa. Its postal history begins under French colonial administration, with definitive issues appearing before independence in 1960, after which it briefly adopted the name the Republic of Upper Volta. Stamps from this period and onward predominantly feature French as the official language, though local languages may occasionally appear. The country’s political transitions, including the name change to Burkina Faso in 1984 under Thomas Sankara, are reflected in its philatelic output, which remains tied to international postal standards through the Universal Postal Union.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- West Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1984 – 2019
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- XOF
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Stamp Catalogs
Burkina Faso stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Burkina Faso Stamp Series
Wildlife Series (1980s-1990s)
Features diverse African fauna, often in vibrant colors, popular with thematic collectors.
Art and Culture (1990s-2000s)
Depicts local art, traditional masks, historical figures, and cultural events.
Olympic Games (Various)
Commemorative issues for various Olympic Games, a common theme for many nations.
Burkina Faso Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Most modern Burkina Faso stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Earlier issues from Upper Volta or specific thematic sets in pristine condition can command higher prices. Errors or imperforate varieties are rare and significantly more valuable.
How to Identify Burkina Faso Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Burkina Faso stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Burkina Faso' or 'République de Haute-Volta' (for earlier issues) as the country name.
- 2 Stamps are predominantly in French, occasionally with local language elements.
- 3 Check for the year of issue, often printed on the stamp, to distinguish between Upper Volta and Burkina Faso periods.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Burkina Faso stamps?
Burkina Faso stamps are postage stamps issued by the West African nation of Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta. They reflect the country's history, culture, wildlife, and international events, primarily featuring French text.
Are Burkina Faso stamps valuable?
Most modern Burkina Faso stamps are not highly valuable, typically ranging from $0.50 to $5 for common issues. However, certain earlier stamps from the Upper Volta period, specific thematic sets, or rare varieties (like errors or imperforates) can fetch higher prices, sometimes exceeding $200.
How can I identify Burkina Faso stamps?
You can identify Burkina Faso stamps by looking for the country name 'Burkina Faso' or 'République de Haute-Volta' printed on them. The primary language is French. For precise identification and catalog numbers, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a philatelic catalog.
Which catalogs list Burkina Faso stamps?
Burkina Faso stamps are comprehensively listed in major international philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, images, and estimated values for most issues.
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