Christiansborg Stamps
Christiansborg, historically associated with the Gold Coast region of West Africa, was a Danish trading post that later became part of the British Gold Coast Colony. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the Danish colonial administration before its eventual incorporation into the British system, which heavily influenced its postal markings and stamp issues.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- DKK
- Languages
- Danish
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Denmark
About Christiansborg stamps
Stamps issued during the Danish period would have primarily featured Danish language inscriptions, reflecting its status as a Danish enclave. The transition from Danish control to British rule marked a significant administrative shift reflected in the subsequent adoption of British postal conventions and currency.
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.
- K.D.P.S.
How to identify Christiansborg stamps
- Look for Danish stamps (typically 'Two Skilling' or 'Four Skilling' values) bearing an overprint 'K.D.P.S.' (Kongelig Dansk Post) or similar, often with a date or value in local currency.
- Examine the overprint carefully for authenticity, as forgeries and fakes exist due to their rarity.
- Check for cancellations that might indicate usage in the Gold Coast region, though specific Christiansborg cancellations are rare.
Popular series
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First Issue
1861
The singular issue for Christiansborg, consisting of Danish stamps overprinted for use in the colony.
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
- €50–€200
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€2,000+
The stamps of Christiansborg are rare due to their limited issue and short period of use. Values depend heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties of the overprint. Unused examples are particularly scarce and command higher prices.
Catalogs. Christiansborg 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 Christiansborg stamps
Christiansborg stamps refer to the postal issues used in the Danish trading post of Christiansborg (modern-day Accra, Ghana) on the Gold Coast of West Africa. These were Danish stamps overprinted for colonial use, issued for a very brief period in 1861 before the postal administration transitioned to British control.
Yes, Christiansborg stamps are generally considered valuable due to their extreme rarity and historical significance. Common examples can fetch €50-€200, while rare varieties, unused stamps, or those with clear cancellations can command prices from €500 to over €2,000. Their value is highly dependent on condition and authenticity.
To identify Christiansborg stamps, look for Danish stamps (often from the 1850s-1860s period) that bear an overprint, typically 'K.D.P.S.' or a similar marking indicating Danish colonial postal service. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Christiansborg stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the specific Danish base stamps used, the types of overprints, and estimated values.
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