Angola Stamps
Angola is a nation situated on the Atlantic coast of Southern Africa, historically a Portuguese colony. Its postal history is deeply intertwined with Portugal, with stamps initially reflecting colonial administration and Portuguese language usage, often denominated in Portuguese currency.
- Issued stamps
- 1870–present
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- AOA
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Angola stamps
Following independence in 1975, the country transitioned to sovereign status, leading to new definitive issues reflecting national identity and the official language, Portuguese. The nation's stamps document significant periods of political change, including the transition from colonial rule to the People's Republic of Angola.
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.
- ANGOLA
- COLONIA DE ANGOLA
- REPÚBLICA POPULAR DE ANGOLA
How to identify Angola stamps
- Look for 'ANGOLA' or 'COLONIA DE ANGOLA' inscriptions on colonial issues.
- Early stamps often feature Portuguese monarchs or colonial crests.
- Post-independence stamps (from 1975 onwards) will typically feature 'REPÚBLICA POPULAR DE ANGOLA' or 'ANGOLA'.
Popular series
-
Crown Issue
1870-1885
The first stamps for Angola, featuring the Portuguese Crown, initially issued for Portugal and overprinted for colonial use, later definitive issues.
-
King Carlos I Issue
1898-1903
Definitive series depicting King Carlos I of Portugal, common across Portuguese colonies with specific overprints or colors for Angola.
-
Independence Issues
1975-1976
Stamps commemorating Angola's independence from Portugal, often featuring national symbols and themes of liberation.
-
Fauna and Flora
Various
Numerous series showcasing Angola's rich biodiversity, a popular theme for collectors due to colorful designs.
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
- €0.10–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€5,000+
Early colonial issues, especially those with rare overprints or errors, can be quite valuable. Post-independence issues are generally more affordable, with some exceptions for specific commemorative sets or low-print runs. Condition significantly impacts value.
Catalogs. Angola 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 Angola stamps
Angola stamps are postage stamps issued for use in Angola, a nation on the Atlantic coast of Southern Africa. They reflect its history, from a Portuguese colony to an independent republic, with designs depicting monarchs, colonial themes, national symbols, and local fauna and flora.
The value of Angola stamps varies widely. Early colonial issues, especially those with rare overprints, errors, or in pristine condition, can be quite valuable, sometimes fetching thousands of euros. More common post-independence stamps are generally affordable, ranging from a few cents to several euros, but specific commemorative sets or definitive issues with lower print runs can also hold significant value.
You can identify Angola stamps by looking for the country name 'ANGOLA' or 'COLONIA DE ANGOLA' (for colonial issues) and 'REPÚBLICA POPULAR DE ANGOLA' or simply 'ANGOLA' (for post-independence issues). Early stamps often feature Portuguese monarchs or colonial emblems. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Angola stamps are extensively cataloged in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel (especially for European and colonial issues), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, as well as their World Stamp Catalogues.
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