Lourenço Marques Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Lourenço Marques Stamps
Lourenço Marques was the colonial capital of the Portuguese territory of Mozambique, located in Southeast Africa. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the Portuguese colonial administration, with stamps primarily denominated in Portuguese currency and featuring Portuguese language inscriptions. The territory operated under the Portuguese postal system until the Mozambican War of Independence culminated in the country's independence in 1975, after which Lourenço Marques was renamed Maputo and began issuing stamps under the new sovereign government.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Southern Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1895 – 1920
- Languages:
- Portuguese
- Currency:
- PTE
- Parent issuer:
- Portugal
Stamp Catalogs
Lourenço Marques stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Lourenço Marques Stamp Series
King Carlos I Issues (1895-1908)
Early issues featuring the portrait of King Carlos I of Portugal, often overprinted for Lourenço Marques.
Republic Issues (1910-1915)
Stamps issued after the establishment of the Portuguese Republic, often with 'Republica' overprints or new designs.
Ceres Issues (1914-1920)
The iconic Ceres definitive series, widely used across Portuguese colonies, overprinted for Lourenço Marques.
Lourenço Marques Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer issues include errors, varieties, high values, and early overprints, especially those in fine condition or on cover. The Ceres issues are generally more common unless they have specific overprint varieties.
How to Identify Lourenço Marques Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Lourenço Marques stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'LOURENÇO MARQUES' or 'LOURENÇO MARQUES' overprints on stamps of Portugal or Portuguese Africa.
- 2 Stamps are typically denominated in Portuguese currency (Reis, Centavos, Escudos).
- 3 Designs often feature Portuguese monarchs (Carlos I, Manuel II) or allegorical figures like Ceres.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lourenço Marques stamps?
Lourenço Marques stamps are postage stamps issued for the colonial capital of Portuguese Mozambique, Lourenço Marques (now Maputo), between 1895 and 1920. They were part of the Portuguese colonial postal system.
Are Lourenço Marques stamps valuable?
While many common Lourenço Marques stamps are inexpensive, certain issues can be valuable. These include early overprints, high-denomination stamps, errors, and varieties, especially in mint condition or on period covers. Rare examples can fetch hundreds of dollars.
How can I identify Lourenço Marques stamps?
You can identify Lourenço Marques stamps by looking for the explicit inscription 'LOURENÇO MARQUES' or overprints with this name on stamps originally issued for Portugal or Portuguese Africa. They will also feature Portuguese currency denominations. For precise identification and catalog numbers, consider using a stamp identifier app.
Which catalogs list Lourenço Marques stamps?
Lourenço Marques stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually found within the sections for Portuguese Colonies or Mozambique.
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