Burkina Faso Stamps
Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation situated in West Africa, historically part of French West Africa. Its postal history begins under French colonial administration, with definitive issues appearing before independence in 1960, after which it briefly adopted the name the Republic of Upper Volta.
- Issued stamps
- 1984–2019
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- XOF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Burkina Faso stamps
Stamps from this period and onward predominantly feature French as the official language, though local languages may occasionally appear. The country’s political transitions, including the name change to Burkina Faso in 1984 under Thomas Sankara, are reflected in its philatelic output, which remains tied to international postal standards through the Universal Postal Union.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Burkina Faso stamps
- Look for 'Burkina Faso' or 'République de Haute-Volta' (for earlier issues) as the country name.
- Stamps are predominantly in French, occasionally with local language elements.
- Check for the year of issue, often printed on the stamp, to distinguish between Upper Volta and Burkina Faso periods.
Popular series
-
Wildlife Series
1980s-1990s
Features diverse African fauna, often in vibrant colors, popular with thematic collectors.
-
Art and Culture
1990s-2000s
Depicts local art, traditional masks, historical figures, and cultural events.
-
Olympic Games
Various
Commemorative issues for various Olympic Games, a common theme for many nations.
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
- $20–$200+
Most modern Burkina Faso stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Earlier issues from Upper Volta or specific thematic sets in pristine condition can command higher prices. Errors or imperforate varieties are rare and significantly more valuable.
Catalogs. Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso stamps
Burkina Faso stamps are postage stamps issued by the West African nation of Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta. They reflect the country's history, culture, wildlife, and international events, primarily featuring French text.
Most modern Burkina Faso stamps are not highly valuable, typically ranging from $0.50 to $5 for common issues. However, certain earlier stamps from the Upper Volta period, specific thematic sets, or rare varieties (like errors or imperforates) can fetch higher prices, sometimes exceeding $200.
You can identify Burkina Faso stamps by looking for the country name 'Burkina Faso' or 'République de Haute-Volta' printed on them. The primary language is French. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Burkina Faso stamps are comprehensively listed in major international philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, images, and estimated values for most issues.
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