Afars and Issas Stamps
The Territory of the Afars and the Issas was a French overseas territory located in the Horn of Africa, bordering the Red Sea. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to French colonial administration, with stamps initially issued under French Somaliland and later reflecting the territory's transition toward independence.
- Issued stamps
- 1967–1977
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- DJF
- Languages
- French, Afar, Somali
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
About Afars and Issas stamps
Issues from this period predominantly feature French inscriptions alongside local geographical or cultural motifs. The territory ultimately became the independent nation of Djibouti in 1977, marking the end of this specific postal entity.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- T.F.A.I.
How to identify Afars and Issas stamps
- Look for the inscription 'TERRITOIRE FRANCAIS DES AFARS ET DES ISSAS' or 'T.F.A.I.'
- Stamps often feature French currency denominations (e.g., 'F' for Francs)
- Many issues share design characteristics with other French colonial territories of the period.
Popular series
-
Definitive Series
1967-1977
Features local landscapes, wildlife, and cultural motifs, often with the 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' and 'TERRITOIRE FRANCAIS DES AFARS ET DES ISSAS' inscriptions.
-
Commemorative Issues
1967-1977
Various issues celebrating French and local events, often depicting historical figures, flora, fauna, and local industries.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- $0.20–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Most common stamps are inexpensive, especially used. Full sets and unmounted mint condition stamps, particularly earlier definitives or specific commemorative issues, can fetch higher prices. Errors or varieties are rare and command significant premiums.
Catalogs. Afars and Issas stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Afars and Issas stamps
Afars and Issas stamps were issued by the French overseas territory of the Afars and the Issas, located in the Horn of Africa, between 1967 and 1977. They reflect the region's French colonial administration and its transition towards independence as Djibouti.
While many common Afars and Issas stamps are relatively inexpensive, certain complete sets, unmounted mint issues, or specific commemorative stamps can be more valuable, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars for rarer items or errors.
You can identify Afars and Issas stamps by looking for the explicit inscription 'TERRITOIRE FRANCAIS DES AFARS ET DES ISSAS' or 'T.F.A.I.'. They typically feature French currency and often depict local scenery, wildlife, or cultural themes. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Afars and Issas stamps are comprehensively listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually found under 'Afars and Issas' or within the French colonial sections.
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