Cape Verde Stamps
Cape Verde is an archipelago nation situated in the central Atlantic Ocean, geographically part of West Africa. Historically a Portuguese colony, the islands maintained close ties to Lisbon, which issued stamps for the territory until the country achieved independence in 1975.
- Issued stamps
- 1877–present
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- CVE
- Languages
- Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Cape Verde stamps
Stamps from this period predominantly feature Portuguese text, while modern issues reflect the official Portuguese language alongside local Creole influences. The transition from colonial rule marked a significant shift in postal administration and thematic focus, culminating in full membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) as a sovereign state.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Cape Verde stamps
- Look for the inscription 'Cabo Verde' or 'República de Cabo Verde'.
- Early issues often feature Portuguese monarchs or colonial allegories.
- Post-independence stamps frequently depict local themes, wildlife, and national symbols.
- Check for watermarks on older issues (e.g., Crown or Republic watermarks common to Portuguese colonies).
Popular series
-
Colonial Issues (Portuguese Administration)
1877-1974
Early issues featuring Portuguese monarchs, colonial scenes, and definitive sets, often inscribed 'Cabo Verde'.
-
Independence Issues
1975-present
Stamps celebrating national sovereignty, local culture, flora, fauna, and international events, reflecting the new nation's identity.
-
Fish and Marine Life
1980s-present
A popular thematic series showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of the Cape Verdean archipelago.
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–€500+
Common post-independence issues are generally inexpensive. Early colonial issues, especially high values, errors, or stamps on cover, can fetch significant prices. Definitive sets from the late 19th and early 20th centuries also hold moderate to high value.
Catalogs. Cape Verde 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 Cape Verde stamps
Cape Verde stamps are postage stamps issued for use in the archipelago nation of Cape Verde, located in the central Atlantic Ocean. They were initially issued under Portuguese colonial administration and later by the independent Republic of Cape Verde.
The value of Cape Verde stamps varies widely. Common modern issues are generally inexpensive. However, early colonial stamps, especially those from the 19th and early 20th centuries, high-value definitives, errors, or stamps on original covers can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to hundreds of Euros or more.
Cape Verde stamps can be identified by their inscription, typically 'Cabo Verde' or 'República de Cabo Verde'. Early issues often bear Portuguese text and imagery, while modern stamps feature diverse local themes. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Cape Verde stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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