Spanish West Africa Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Spanish West Africa Stamps
Spanish West Africa was a colonial territory located in Northwest Africa, primarily encompassing the region of Western Sahara and surrounding areas under Spanish control. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the Spanish Empire, with stamps issued under the authority of the Spanish postal administration until the territory's dissolution. Issues from this period typically feature Spanish text and denominations in pesetas, reflecting the colonial power's linguistic and monetary system. The postal administration ceased following the Spanish withdrawal in 1975 and the subsequent partition of the territory.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- North Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1949 – 1951
- Languages:
- Spanish
- Currency:
- ESP
- Parent issuer:
- Spain
Stamp Catalogs
Spanish West Africa stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Spanish West Africa Stamp Series
General Issues (1949-1951)
The primary issues for the territory, often featuring Spanish colonial themes, local landscapes, or portraits of Spanish figures. Denominations were in pesetas.
Definitives (1949)
A foundational set of definitive stamps issued shortly after the territory's formal establishment, depicting various scenes and symbols relevant to Spanish West Africa.
issuer:spanish-west-africa.series.items.2.name (issuer:spanish-west-africa.series.items.2.period)
issuer:spanish-west-africa.series.items.2.description
Spanish West Africa Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer varieties, errors, or high-denomination issues in fine condition can command significant prices. Complete sets are often more valuable than individual stamps.
How to Identify Spanish West Africa Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Spanish West Africa stamps:
- 1 Look for 'ÁFRICA OCCIDENTAL ESPAÑOLA' or 'A.O.E.' inscriptions.
- 2 Denominations are typically in 'PTAS.' or 'PESETAS'.
- 3 Stamps often feature Spanish royal symbols, colonial architecture, or local flora/fauna.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spanish West Africa stamps?
Spanish West Africa stamps were issued for the Spanish colonial territory in Northwest Africa, primarily covering what is now Western Sahara, between 1949 and 1951. They reflect Spanish postal administration and feature Spanish text and denominations in pesetas.
Are Spanish West Africa stamps valuable?
The value of Spanish West Africa stamps varies. Many common issues are inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, rare varieties, errors, or high-denomination stamps, especially in pristine condition, can be quite valuable, potentially fetching hundreds of euros.
How can I identify Spanish West Africa stamps?
You can identify Spanish West Africa stamps by looking for inscriptions like 'ÁFRICA OCCIDENTAL ESPAÑOLA' or 'A.O.E.', and denominations in 'PTAS.' or 'PESETAS'. Visual themes often include Spanish colonial imagery or local scenes. For precise identification, consider using a stamp identifier app.
Which catalogs list Spanish West Africa stamps?
Spanish West Africa stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, descriptions, and estimated values.
Not sure if your stamp is from Spanish West Africa?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store