French West Africa Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French West Africa (AOF) Stamps
French West Africa (Afrique-Occidentale française, AOF) was a federation of French colonial territories located in West Africa, encompassing modern-day Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Benin. The AOF operated under a unified colonial administration from Paris, and its postal system was integrated into the French postal network, issuing definitive and commemorative stamps under the authority of the French government, often featuring French monarchs or colonial themes. Stamps from this period typically bear inscriptions in French, reflecting the official language of the administration. The federation existed until the dissolution of the colonial structure in the late 1950s and early 1960s, after which each constituent territory began issuing its own distinct national postal issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- West Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1944 – 1959
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- XOF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French West Africa (AOF) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French West Africa (AOF) Stamp Series
French West Africa Pictorials (1944-1959)
A long-running definitive series featuring various colonial themes, local landscapes, and portraits, often with 'RF' (République Française) or 'AOF' inscriptions.
Postage Due Stamps (1944-1959)
Stamps issued specifically for collecting underpaid postage, typically with 'CHIFFRE TAXE' or 'TAXE' inscriptions.
Airmail Stamps (1944-1959)
Specialized stamps for airmail services, often depicting aircraft or allegorical figures related to flight.
French West Africa (AOF) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common definitive stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Higher values, errors, varieties, and early issues in fine unused condition can command significant prices. Complete sets and covers are also more desirable.
How to Identify French West Africa (AOF) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French West Africa (AOF) stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANÇAISE' or 'A.O.F.'
- 2 Stamps are typically in French and often feature French colonial administrators, local scenes, or allegorical figures.
- 3 The period of issue is generally between 1944 and 1959.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are French West Africa stamps?
French West Africa (Afrique-Occidentale française, AOF) stamps were issued by the federation of French colonial territories in West Africa from 1944 until its dissolution around 1959. These stamps were part of the French postal system and served the territories that now comprise modern-day Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Benin.
Are French West Africa stamps valuable?
The value of French West Africa stamps varies widely. Common definitive issues are generally inexpensive, often ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, rare varieties, errors, high-denomination stamps, and early issues in pristine condition can be quite valuable, potentially fetching €50 to several hundred euros or more. Condition, rarity, and completeness of sets are key factors in determining value.
How can I identify French West Africa stamps?
You can identify French West Africa stamps by looking for the inscriptions 'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANÇAISE' or 'A.O.F.' They are written in French and often depict colonial themes, local landscapes, or French figures. For precise identification and catalog numbers, you can use a stamp identifier app, which can scan your stamp and provide detailed information.
Which catalogs list French West Africa stamps?
French West Africa stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (often under 'French Colonies' or specific territories), the Michel catalog (especially Michel Overseas), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (as a former French colonial entity).
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