Annam & Tonkin Stamps
Annam and Tonkin comprised the northern and central protectorates of French Indochina, situated in Southeast Asia. Their postal history is intrinsically linked to the French colonial administration, which managed postal services under the general framework of the French postal system and the Universal Postal Union.
- Issued stamps
- 1888–1889
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Vietnamese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- French Indochina
About Annam & Tonkin stamps
Stamps issued for these territories typically feature French inscriptions alongside local names, often denominated in French currency units like the piastre. Following the dissolution of French Indochina, the postal administration transitioned through various political phases, eventually leading to separate postal entities for modern Vietnam.
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.
- ANNAM ET TONKIN
- ANNAM & TONKIN
How to identify Annam & Tonkin stamps
- Look for the inscription 'ANNAM ET TONKIN' or 'ANNAM & TONKIN' on the stamps.
- Stamps are typically overprints or surcharges on French colonial 'Commerce and Navigation' or 'Peace and Commerce' types.
- Denominations are usually in French currency (centimes, francs) or piastres.
Popular series
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General Issues for Annam & Tonkin
1888-1889
These issues were surcharges on French colonial stamps, specifically for use in Annam and Tonkin, marking the beginning of distinct postal issues for these protectorates.
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Surcharged French Colonial Stamps
1888
The initial stamps were French colonial 'Commerce and Navigation' types overprinted with 'ANNAM ET TONKIN' and new values, reflecting the specific postal needs of the region.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1,000+
The value of Annam & Tonkin stamps varies significantly based on condition, specific issue, and the presence of rare overprints or errors. Early surcharged issues are generally more sought after.
Catalogs. Annam & Tonkin 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 Annam & Tonkin stamps
Annam & Tonkin stamps were postal issues used in the French protectorates of Annam and Tonkin, located in what is now central and northern Vietnam, during the late 19th century. They were part of the broader French Indochina postal administration.
Some Annam & Tonkin stamps, particularly the early surcharged issues and those in fine condition, can be quite valuable to collectors. Rarer varieties, errors, or stamps with significant postal history can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Common issues are generally more affordable.
To identify Annam & Tonkin stamps, look for the distinctive 'ANNAM ET TONKIN' or 'ANNAM & TONKIN' overprints on French colonial stamp designs. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Annam & Tonkin stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under French Colonies or French Indochina), Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (Great Britain). Specialized French colonial catalogs also provide detailed listings.
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