Guadeloupe Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Guadeloupe Stamps
Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France located in the Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to France, utilizing French postal administration and issuing stamps under the French Republic's authority, often featuring French colonial themes before becoming an integral part of the French postal system. Stamps predominantly feature the French language and use the Euro currency following its adoption by France. As an integral part of France, Guadeloupe's postal issues reflect the administrative and political continuity of the French state rather than distinct colonial or independent postal eras.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- Caribbean
- Issuing period:
- 1884 – 1947
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- FRF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
Guadeloupe stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Guadeloupe Stamp Series
Navigation and Commerce (1884-1892)
Overprinted French 'Navigation and Commerce' stamps, featuring the colony's name.
Type Sage (1892-1900)
French 'Type Sage' stamps overprinted 'GUADELOUPE'.
Pictorial Issues (1903-1941)
Early pictorial stamps depicting local scenes, flora, and fauna, often with 'GUADELOUPE' inscription.
Guadeloupe Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early overprinted issues and specific pictorials in fine condition can fetch higher prices. Stamps from the Free French period also hold collector interest. Later issues are generally less valuable.
How to Identify Guadeloupe Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Guadeloupe stamps:
- 1 Look for 'GUADELOUPE' or 'COLONIES POSTES' overprints on French stamps.
- 2 Early pictorial issues often depict local Caribbean scenes or portraits.
- 3 Stamps are predominantly in French and often feature French colonial motifs.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Guadeloupe stamps?
Guadeloupe stamps refer to postal issues used in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe. From 1884 to 1947, these were primarily French colonial stamps, often overprinted with 'GUADELOUPE' or featuring designs specific to the colony, before becoming fully integrated into the French postal system.
Are Guadeloupe stamps valuable?
The value of Guadeloupe stamps varies significantly. Early overprinted French stamps and certain pictorial issues, especially in fine condition or with rare varieties, can be quite valuable, ranging from €50 to several hundred euros. More common later issues are typically worth less, often in the €0.50 to €5 range.
How can I identify Guadeloupe stamps?
Guadeloupe stamps can be identified by the inscription 'GUADELOUPE' or 'COLONIES POSTES' (on earlier issues), and the use of the French language. Many early issues are French stamps overprinted for colonial use, or feature distinct pictorial designs of the island. For precise identification, use a philatelic catalog or a stamp identifier app that can analyze the stamp's design and text.
Which catalogs list Guadeloupe stamps?
Guadeloupe stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issue dates, designs, varieties, and estimated values for collectors.
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