Basutoland Stamps
Basutoland, now the independent nation of Lesotho, was a British High Commission Territory located in Southern Africa, entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Its postal history is characterized by issues produced under British colonial administration, often featuring the reigning monarch and reflecting its status as a protectorate.
- Issued stamps
- 1933–1954
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English, Sesotho
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About Basutoland stamps
Stamps typically bore inscriptions in English, reflecting the official language of the colonial power, alongside the local Sesotho language. The territory transitioned to independence in 1966, marking a significant shift in its postal authority and subsequent stamp issues.
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.
- BASUTOLAND
How to identify Basutoland stamps
- Look for the country name 'BASUTOLAND' clearly printed on the stamp.
- Stamps typically feature portraits of the reigning British monarch (George V, George VI, Elizabeth II) alongside local imagery.
- The currency denomination will be in British pounds, shillings, and pence (e.g., '1d', '1/-', '£1').
Popular series
-
King George V Pictorials
1933
The first definitive series for Basutoland, featuring local scenes and King George V.
-
King George VI Definitives
1938-1952
A long-running series depicting King George VI and various Basutoland landscapes and cultural elements.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Definitives
1954
The initial definitive series featuring Queen Elizabeth II, marking the beginning of her reign on Basutoland stamps.
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
- $0.50–$10
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common Basutoland stamps are generally affordable, especially used. Mint condition sets and certain higher values, particularly from the early pictorial issues, can command higher prices. Errors or varieties are rare and significantly increase value.
Catalogs. Basutoland 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 Basutoland stamps
Basutoland stamps are postage stamps issued by the British High Commission Territory of Basutoland, located in Southern Africa, from 1933 until its independence as Lesotho in 1966. These stamps reflect its colonial status, often featuring British monarchs and local scenes.
The value of Basutoland stamps varies. Many common issues are quite affordable, ranging from $0.50 to $10. However, complete sets in mint condition, higher denominations, and specific early pictorial issues or any known errors can be more valuable, potentially fetching $50 to over $500.
To identify Basutoland stamps, look for the inscription 'BASUTOLAND' on the stamp. They typically feature portraits of British monarchs (King George V, King George VI, or Queen Elizabeth II) and often depict local landscapes, wildlife, or cultural elements. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Basutoland stamps are well-documented in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them listed in the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalog, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Michel catalog.
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