French Congo Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Congo Stamps
French Congo, located in Central Africa, was a significant territory within the French colonial empire. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to France, with stamps initially issued under the general administration of French Equatorial Africa before gaining distinct issues. The stamps predominantly feature French inscriptions and denominations, reflecting its status as a French colony until its independence in 1960. This territory later transitioned to become the modern Republic of the Congo, marking a significant administrative shift in its postal administration.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Central Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1891 – 1903
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- XOF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Congo stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Congo Stamp Series
Navigation and Commerce (1891-1900)
Overprinted stamps of French Colonies 'CONGO FRANCAIS', featuring allegorical designs representing navigation and commerce, common for early French colonial issues.
Type Blanc (1900-1903)
Stamps featuring the 'Type Blanc' design, depicting a seated allegorical figure, specifically inscribed 'CONGO FRANCAIS'.
Postage Due Stamps (1892-1900)
Overprinted postage due stamps of French Colonies, often with 'Chiffre Taxe' and 'CONGO FRANCAIS' overprints.
French Congo Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer issues include specific overprint varieties, high denominations, and stamps on cover, which can fetch significant prices. Condition is crucial for value.
How to Identify French Congo Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Congo stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'CONGO FRANCAIS' or 'CONGO' on stamps, often as an overprint on general French Colonies issues.
- 2 Early issues frequently feature allegorical designs common to French colonial stamps, such as 'Navigation and Commerce' or 'Type Blanc'.
- 3 Denominations are in French currency (centimes and francs).
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Congo stamps?
French Congo stamps are postage stamps issued for the French colonial territory of French Congo, located in Central Africa, between 1891 and 1903. They typically feature French inscriptions and denominations, often as overprints on general French Colonies issues.
Are French Congo stamps valuable?
The value of French Congo stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, rare varieties, specific overprints, high denominations, and stamps on original covers can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of euros or more. Condition plays a significant role in determining value.
How can I identify French Congo stamps?
To identify French Congo stamps, look for the clear inscription 'CONGO FRANCAIS' or 'CONGO'. Many early issues are overprints on standard French Colonies designs like 'Navigation and Commerce'. Using a stamp identifier app can help quickly confirm the origin and details of your stamps.
Which catalogs list French Congo stamps?
French Congo stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (Great Britain) catalogs, among others.
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