Portuguese Africa Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Portuguese Africa Stamps
Portuguese Africa encompasses the former colonies of Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, situated primarily on the southwestern and eastern coasts of the African continent. These territories shared a common postal administration under the Portuguese Empire until decolonization in the mid-1970s, resulting in a complex history of unified and separate issues. Stamps from this era predominantly feature Portuguese text and denominations in the Portuguese escudo or its colonial subdivisions. The transition to independence marked a significant shift, leading to the establishment of separate national postal services and the issuance of definitive stamps reflecting the new sovereign states.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Southern Africa, West Africa, Central Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1898 – 1898
- Languages:
- Portuguese
- Currency:
- PTE
- Parent issuer:
- Portugal
Stamp Catalogs
Portuguese Africa stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Portuguese Africa Stamp Series
Vasco da Gama Commemorative Issue (1898)
A significant commemorative issue celebrating the 400th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India, issued across all Portuguese colonies, including those in Africa.
King Carlos I Issues (1898-1906)
Definitive stamps featuring the portrait of King Carlos I, often overprinted or surcharged for specific colonial use.
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Portuguese Africa Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific colony, condition, and any overprints or surcharges. Early commemorative issues and high denominations tend to be more valuable.
How to Identify Portuguese Africa Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Portuguese Africa stamps:
- 1 Look for Portuguese text and denominations (e.g., 'Reis', 'Escudos', 'Centavos').
- 2 Identify the specific colony's name, often printed below 'Portugal' or as an overprint (e.g., 'Angola', 'Moçambique').
- 3 Examine for overprints or surcharges, which can indicate specific colonial usage or changes in postal rates.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Portuguese Africa stamps?
Portuguese Africa stamps refer to postage stamps issued for the various Portuguese colonies on the African continent, including Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, before their independence. These stamps often shared common designs with specific colonial overprints.
Are Portuguese Africa stamps valuable?
The value of Portuguese Africa stamps varies widely. Common definitive issues are generally inexpensive (€0.50 - €5), while early commemorative sets, high denominations, rare errors, or specific overprints can be quite valuable, ranging from €50 to several hundred euros or more. Condition is also a major factor.
How can I identify Portuguese Africa stamps?
To identify Portuguese Africa stamps, look for Portuguese text, colonial names like 'Angola' or 'Moçambique', and denominations in Reis or Escudos. Many stamps feature portraits of Portuguese monarchs or colonial themes. For precise identification and catalog numbers, use a stamp identifier app or consult a specialized catalog like Scott, Michel, or Stanley Gibbons.
Which catalogs list Portuguese Africa stamps?
Portuguese Africa stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (often under Portugal and its Colonies), the Michel Europa-Katalog (Südwesteuropa), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, as well as specialized catalogs for Portuguese colonies.
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