Council of Europe Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Council of Europe Stamps
The Conseil de l'Europe, or Council of Europe, is an international organization headquartered in Strasbourg, France, representing a pan-European political and cultural entity rather than a traditional sovereign state. While not a country in the conventional sense, it has issued postage stamps through special agreements, primarily reflecting its European scope and mission. These issues typically feature French and English, the organization's working languages, and often commemorate pan-European themes, human rights, and cultural heritage. The postal history of these issues is unique, tied to the organization's administrative status within the European framework rather than a national postal administration transition.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Western Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1958 – 2019
- Languages:
- French, English
- Currency:
- EUR
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Stamp Catalogs
Council of Europe stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Council of Europe Stamp Series
Human Rights (1960s-1970s)
Stamps commemorating the European Convention on Human Rights and related initiatives.
European Cultural Heritage (1980s-1990s)
Issues highlighting various aspects of European culture, art, and history.
Council of Europe Anniversaries (Various)
Commemorative stamps marking significant milestones and anniversaries of the organization.
Council of Europe Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Most stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Early issues or those with specific cancellations can command higher prices. Full sets and first day covers are generally more sought after.
How to Identify Council of Europe Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Council of Europe stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Conseil de l'Europe' or 'Council of Europe' inscriptions, often in both French and English.
- 2 Stamps typically feature designs related to European unity, human rights, or cultural themes.
- 3 Often bear the emblem of the Council of Europe (a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background).
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Council of Europe stamps?
Council of Europe stamps are postage stamps issued by the international organization, the Council of Europe, headquartered in Strasbourg, France. These stamps reflect the organization's mission, focusing on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe, rather than representing a sovereign state's postal service.
Are Council of Europe stamps valuable?
The majority of Council of Europe stamps are not highly valuable, often ranging from €0.50 to €5 for common issues. However, certain early issues, complete sets, or stamps with special cancellations can fetch higher prices, sometimes reaching €20 to over €100 for rare items. Their value is more often tied to their historical and thematic significance than their monetary worth.
How can I identify Council of Europe stamps?
You can identify Council of Europe stamps by looking for the inscriptions 'Conseil de l'Europe' or 'Council of Europe', usually in both French and English. They often feature designs related to European unity, human rights, or cultural heritage, and may include the Council of Europe's star emblem. For quick and accurate identification, consider using a stamp identifier app.
Which catalogs list Council of Europe stamps?
Council of Europe stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, denominations, and estimated values for collectors.
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