French Colonies General Issues Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Colonies General Issues Stamps
French Colonies General Issues represent a unique administrative category spanning various continents, primarily Africa, Asia, and Oceania, where stamps were issued for use across multiple French overseas territories under centralized authority. These issues, often featuring the effigy of the reigning French monarch or president, served as provisional or definitive stamps for colonies lacking their own distinct issues or during periods of administrative transition. The inscriptions predominantly appear in French, reflecting the official language of the colonial administration. This category is crucial for understanding the unified postal administration of the French colonial empire before the widespread adoption of territory-specific definitive series.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- issuer:french-colonies-general-issues.overview.subregionValue
- Issuing period:
- 1859 â 1887
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- FRF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Colonies General Issues stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Colonies General Issues Stamp Series
Eagle Series (1859-1865)
The first general issues for French Colonies, featuring the imperial eagle, based on metropolitan French designs.
Napoleon III Laureated Series (1863-1872)
Stamps depicting the laureated effigy of Emperor Napoleon III, adapted from contemporary French stamps.
Ceres Series (1871-1876)
Featuring the allegorical head of Ceres, goddess of agriculture, a classic design used extensively in France and its colonies.
French Colonies General Issues Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on condition, specific issue, denomination, and cancellation. Early issues and higher denominations are generally more valuable. Stamps with clear, light cancellations are preferred.
How to Identify French Colonies General Issues Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Colonies General Issues stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'COLONIES Fces' or 'COLONIES' (French Colonies).
- 2 Designs often mirror those of contemporary French stamps (e.g., Eagle, Napoleon III, Ceres, Sage types) but with colonial inscriptions.
- 3 Pay attention to watermarks (often absent or simple) and perforation types, which can help distinguish specific printings.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Colonies General Issues stamps?
French Colonies General Issues are stamps issued by the central French administration for use across various French overseas territories, primarily in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, before these colonies began issuing their own distinct stamps. They served as a unified postal system during a specific period.
Are French Colonies General Issues stamps valuable?
The value of French Colonies General Issues stamps varies widely. Common lower denominations can be found for a few euros, while rare early issues, high denominations, or stamps in pristine condition with desirable cancellations can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Factors like condition, rarity, and specific issue significantly impact their market value.
How can I identify French Colonies General Issues stamps?
To identify French Colonies General Issues stamps, look for the 'COLONIES Fces' or 'COLONIES' inscription. The designs often resemble those of contemporary French stamps (e.g., Eagle, Napoleon III, Ceres, Peace and Commerce types). For precise identification and catalog numbers, use a stamp identifier app or consult specialized catalogs, paying close attention to watermarks, perforations, and specific design nuances.
Which catalogs list French Colonies General Issues stamps?
French Colonies General Issues stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, printings, and estimated values for collectors.
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