German Togo Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German Togo Stamps
German Togo, situated in West Africa, was a German protectorate from 1884 until its occupation by Allied forces during World War I. Its postal history is characterized by issues under the German Empire, often featuring German inscriptions alongside local place names. Following the war, the territory was divided into British and French mandates, leading to distinct postal administrations and subsequent stamp issues under British and French control. The stamps from the German period reflect the administrative reach of the German colonial postal service in this region.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- West Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1897 – 1909
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- German Mark
- Parent issuer:
- German Empire
Stamp Catalogs
German Togo stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German Togo Stamp Series
Yacht Series (Hohenzollern Yacht) (1900-1909)
The definitive series for all German colonies, featuring the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern'. These stamps are highly sought after by colonial collectors.
German Eagle Issues (1897-1899)
Early issues for German Togo, featuring the imperial eagle design, often overprinted with 'Togo'.
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German Togo Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, cancellations, and specific printings or overprints. Early issues and high values of the Yacht series, especially mint or on cover, command premium prices. Forgeries and reprints exist, so expertization is recommended for valuable items.
How to Identify German Togo Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German Togo stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Togo' overprints on German Empire stamps (early issues).
- 2 Identify the 'Yacht' series (Hohenzollern) with 'Togo' inscription at the bottom.
- 3 Check for watermarks (lozenges or crosses) and perforations characteristic of German colonial issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Togo stamps?
German Togo stamps are postage stamps issued for the German protectorate of Togo in West Africa from 1897 to 1909. They primarily consist of German Empire stamps overprinted 'Togo' and the definitive 'Yacht' series (Hohenzollern) with 'Togo' inscribed.
Are German Togo stamps valuable?
Yes, many German Togo stamps can be quite valuable, especially early overprinted issues, high values of the Yacht series, and stamps in fine condition or on original covers. Common stamps might range from €5-€50, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
How can I identify German Togo stamps?
You can identify German Togo stamps by looking for the 'Togo' inscription or overprint. Early issues feature the German imperial eagle, while later and more common issues display the 'Yacht' (Hohenzollern) design. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamps to catalog entries and verify their authenticity.
Which catalogs list German Togo stamps?
German Togo stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (as 'German Colonies - Togo'), Michel (Germany and Colonies), and Stanley Gibbons (German States and Colonies).
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