Wallis and Futuna Islands Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Wallis and Futuna Islands Stamps
Wallis and Futuna Islands constitute a French overseas collectivity located in the South Pacific, part of the broader Polynesian region. The postal history of these islands is intrinsically linked to France, with stamps initially issued under the administration of the French Establishments in Oceania before gaining separate issues under French oversight. Stamps predominantly feature French and sometimes local Polynesian languages, reflecting the official status of French. The territory's postal administration has remained under the direct authority of the French postal service, La Poste, throughout its modern history.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Oceania
- Subregion:
- Polynesia
- Issuing period:
- 1920 – present
- Languages:
- French, Wallisian, Futunan
- Currency:
- XPF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Wallis and Futuna Islands Stamp Series
Local Scenery and Culture (1950s-Present)
Depicting local landscapes, flora, fauna, and traditional life of Wallis and Futuna.
French Personalities and Events (1920s-Present)
Stamps featuring French historical figures, national events, and symbols, reflecting the territory's French administration.
Definitives with Overprints (1920s-1940s)
Early issues often consisted of stamps of French Establishments in Oceania or France overprinted with 'WALLIS ET FUTUNA'.
Wallis and Futuna Islands Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early overprinted issues and complete sets from the first decades tend to be more valuable. Modern commemorative issues are generally affordable. Errors and varieties can command higher prices.
How to Identify Wallis and Futuna Islands Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'WALLIS ET FUTUNA' or 'RF WALLIS ET FUTUNA'.
- 2 Early issues may be overprinted on stamps of 'ETABLISSEMENTS DE L'OCEANIE' or 'FRANCE'.
- 3 Stamps often feature French text alongside local Polynesian names or phrases.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps?
Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps are postage stamps issued for the French overseas collectivity of Wallis and Futuna, located in the South Pacific. Their postal history began with overprinted stamps of French Establishments in Oceania and later evolved into distinct issues under French administration.
Are Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps valuable?
The value of Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps varies significantly. Early issues, especially those with overprints or from the first few decades of their postal history, can be quite valuable, ranging from €50 to several hundred euros. More common modern commemorative stamps are generally affordable, typically in the €0.50 to €5 range. Rarity, condition, and specific varieties play a major role in determining value.
How can I identify Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps?
You can identify Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps by looking for the inscription 'WALLIS ET FUTUNA' or 'RF WALLIS ET FUTUNA'. Early issues might be overprinted on stamps from 'ETABLISSEMENTS DE L'OCEANIE' or France. Many stamps feature imagery related to the islands' culture, history, or natural beauty, often with French text. For quick and accurate identification, consider using a stamp identifier app.
Which catalogs list Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps?
Wallis and Futuna Islands stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, among others.
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