Diego Suarez Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Diego Suarez Stamps
Diego Suarez, now known as Antsiranana, is a port city located in the northern region of Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to French colonial administration, as Madagascar was a French colony, and stamps issued for the area often reflected this association, frequently bearing French language inscriptions. The region experienced administrative shifts following Madagascar's independence in 1960, which impacted the continuity and issuing authority of local postal materials. Stamps from this period generally reflect the broader Malagasy postal system under French influence.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- East Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1890 – 1894
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- French Franc (FRF)
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
Diego Suarez stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Diego Suarez Stamp Series
General Issues (1890-1894)
Stamps of French Colonies overprinted 'DIEGO-SUAREZ' or 'DIEGO SUAREZ' with new values.
Type Sage Issues (1890-1891)
French Colonies 'Type Sage' stamps overprinted for use in Diego Suarez, often with surcharges.
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Diego Suarez Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, surcharge, condition, and rarity of the base stamp. Early issues with scarce overprints or errors can be quite valuable.
How to Identify Diego Suarez Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Diego Suarez stamps:
- 1 Look for 'DIEGO-SUAREZ' or 'DIEGO SUAREZ' overprints, often with new denominations, on stamps originally issued for French Colonies.
- 2 Examine the base stamp design, which typically features the 'Type Sage' design or other common French Colonial designs.
- 3 Pay attention to the type and color of the overprint, as variations can significantly impact value.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Diego Suarez stamps?
Diego Suarez stamps are postal issues used in the port city of Diego Suarez (now Antsiranana) in northern Madagascar during its period as a French colonial possession, primarily between 1890 and 1894. These were typically stamps of French Colonies overprinted with 'DIEGO-SUAREZ' and often a new value.
Are Diego Suarez stamps valuable?
Some Diego Suarez stamps can be quite valuable, especially early issues with rare overprints, specific surcharge varieties, or those in pristine condition. Common issues might be in the €5-€50 range, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Their value is largely tied to their historical context as provisional issues.
How can I identify Diego Suarez stamps?
You can identify Diego Suarez stamps by looking for the distinctive 'DIEGO-SUAREZ' or 'DIEGO SUAREZ' overprint on stamps that are clearly of French Colonial origin. Often, these overprints will also include a new face value. For precise identification and to distinguish between varieties, using a philatelic catalog or a stamp identifier app is highly recommended.
Which catalogs list Diego Suarez stamps?
Diego Suarez stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, illustrations, and estimated values for the various issues and their varieties.
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