French Sudan Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Sudan Stamps
French Sudan, now known as Mali, was a territory within French West Africa, situated in West Africa. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the French colonial administration, with stamps issued under the authority of Paris, often featuring French inscriptions and denominations. The territory utilized the postal system of French West Africa until its transition to the independent Republic of Mali in 1960, after which it began issuing its own definitive series. This period marks a significant shift from colonial postal control to national sovereignty reflected in stamp design and currency.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- West Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1894 – 1944
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- XOF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Sudan stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Sudan Stamp Series
Navigation and Commerce (Type Sage) (1894-1900s)
Overprinted issues of French general colonies stamps, often featuring the 'Navigation and Commerce' design with 'SOUDAN FRANÇAIS' overprints.
Colonial Allegorical Series (1906-1910s)
Stamps depicting allegorical figures representing France and its colonies, inscribed 'SOUDAN FRANÇAIS'.
Local Scenes and Portraits (1920s-1940s)
Definitive issues featuring local landscapes, indigenous people, and colonial administrators, often part of the larger French West Africa series.
French Sudan Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common issues are inexpensive. Higher values are found in early overprints, complete sets, and stamps with rare cancellations or varieties. Errors and specific printings can command significant premiums.
How to Identify French Sudan Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Sudan stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'SOUDAN FRANÇAIS'.
- 2 Early issues are often French colonial stamps (e.g., 'Navigation and Commerce' type) with an overprint.
- 3 Later issues (from the 1920s onwards) often feature designs specific to French West Africa or the region, sometimes with the territory name integrated into the design.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Sudan stamps?
French Sudan stamps were issued for the French colonial territory of French Sudan, which is now modern-day Mali. These stamps were part of the French colonial postal system, often featuring French designs with specific 'SOUDAN FRANÇAIS' inscriptions or overprints, used from 1894 until the territory's integration into French West Africa in 1944.
Are French Sudan stamps valuable?
The value of French Sudan stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, early overprinted issues, complete sets, stamps with rare cancellations, and specific varieties or errors can be quite valuable, potentially fetching €50 to over €500. Rarity, condition, and historical significance are key factors in determining value.
How can I identify French Sudan stamps?
To identify French Sudan stamps, look for the clear inscription 'SOUDAN FRANÇAIS' on the stamp itself or as an overprint on French colonial issues. Pay attention to the designs, which often include allegorical figures, local scenes, or portraits of colonial figures. Using a stamp identifier app can greatly assist in quickly and accurately identifying these stamps.
Which catalogs list French Sudan stamps?
French Sudan stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (for French Colonies), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, among others. These catalogs provide detailed listings, images, and estimated values.
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