Council of Europe Stamps
The Conseil de l'Europe, or Council of Europe, is an international organization headquartered in Strasbourg, France, representing a pan-European political and cultural entity rather than a traditional sovereign state. While not a country in the conventional sense, it has issued postage stamps through special agreements, primarily reflecting its European scope and mission.
- Issued stamps
- 1958–2019
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- EUR
- Languages
- French, English
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Council of Europe stamps
These issues typically feature French and English, the organization's working languages, and often commemorate pan-European themes, human rights, and cultural heritage. The postal history of these issues is unique, tied to the organization's administrative status within the European framework rather than a national postal administration transition.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Council of Europe stamps
- Look for 'Conseil de l'Europe' or 'Council of Europe' inscriptions, often in both French and English.
- Stamps typically feature designs related to European unity, human rights, or cultural themes.
- Often bear the emblem of the Council of Europe (a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background).
Popular series
-
Human Rights
1960s-1970s
Stamps commemorating the European Convention on Human Rights and related initiatives.
-
European Cultural Heritage
1980s-1990s
Issues highlighting various aspects of European culture, art, and history.
-
Council of Europe Anniversaries
Various
Commemorative stamps marking significant milestones and anniversaries of the organization.
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–€100+
Most stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Early issues or those with specific cancellations can command higher prices. Full sets and first day covers are generally more sought after.
Catalogs. Council of Europe 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 Council of Europe stamps
Council of Europe stamps are postage stamps issued by the international organization, the Council of Europe, headquartered in Strasbourg, France. These stamps reflect the organization's mission, focusing on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe, rather than representing a sovereign state's postal service.
The majority of Council of Europe stamps are not highly valuable, often ranging from €0.50 to €5 for common issues. However, certain early issues, complete sets, or stamps with special cancellations can fetch higher prices, sometimes reaching €20 to over €100 for rare items. Their value is more often tied to their historical and thematic significance than their monetary worth.
You can identify Council of Europe stamps by looking for the inscriptions 'Conseil de l'Europe' or 'Council of Europe', usually in both French and English. They often feature designs related to European unity, human rights, or cultural heritage, and may include the Council of Europe's star emblem. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Council of Europe stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, denominations, and estimated values for collectors.
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