British Tangier Stamps
British Tangier was a unique international zone located on the northern tip of Africa, specifically in Morocco, administered primarily by the United Kingdom between 1923 and 1956. During this period, the territory operated under a statute of international administration, which influenced its postal arrangements, often featuring overprints or specific issues reflecting its unique political status.
- Issued stamps
- 1927–1957
- Region
- Africa, North Africa
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English, French, Spanish
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About British Tangier stamps
Stamps from this era typically displayed English alongside French or Spanish, reflecting the multilingual environment of the zone. The territory reverted to full Moroccan sovereignty following the end of the international administration in 1956, concluding its distinct postal history.
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.
- TANGIER
How to identify British Tangier stamps
- Look for the overprint 'TANGIER' on British stamps.
- Check the monarch's portrait (George V, George VI, Elizabeth II) to determine the era.
- Examine the base stamp design for British definitive issues of the period.
Popular series
-
King George V Overprints
1927-1936
British stamps overprinted 'TANGIER' for use in the International Zone, featuring King George V.
-
King George VI Overprints
1937-1952
British stamps of King George VI definitive issues overprinted 'TANGIER'.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Overprints
1953-1957
Early definitive issues of Queen Elizabeth II overprinted 'TANGIER' before the zone's reversion to Morocco.
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–£5
- Scarce stamps
- £50–£500+
Common overprinted issues are generally affordable. Rarities exist for specific varieties, errors, or high-value definitives. Mint condition and complete sets command higher prices.
Catalogs. British Tangier 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 British Tangier stamps
British Tangier stamps are British postage stamps that were overprinted with 'TANGIER' for use in the International Zone of Tangier, Morocco, during its administration by the United Kingdom from 1923 to 1956. They represent the postal history of this unique international territory.
The value of British Tangier stamps varies. Common overprinted issues can be quite affordable, typically ranging from £0.50 to £5. However, rare varieties, errors, or high-denomination stamps, especially in mint condition or as part of complete sets, can fetch significantly higher prices, sometimes reaching £50 to over £500.
To identify British Tangier stamps, look for the distinctive 'TANGIER' overprint on standard British postage stamps. Pay attention to the monarch's portrait (King George V, King George VI, or Queen Elizabeth II) and the underlying British definitive stamp design. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
British Tangier stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Stanley Gibbons (especially their Commonwealth & British Empire catalogs), Scott, and Michel. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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