Dahomey Stamps
Dahomey was a nation situated in West Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to French colonial administration, with stamps initially issued under the French West Africa federation before gaining independence in 1960.
- Issued stamps
- 1899–1975
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- XOF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
About Dahomey stamps
The primary language appearing on its postal issues was French, reflecting its colonial heritage. Following independence, the country underwent several name changes, notably becoming the People's Republic of Benin in 1975, which significantly altered the subsequent philatelic landscape.
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.
- DAHOMEY
- COLONIES POSTES
How to identify Dahomey stamps
- Look for 'DAHOMEY' or 'COLONIES POSTES' with 'DAHOMEY' overprint.
- Stamps often feature French text and colonial-era designs or later, independent republic motifs.
- The currency indicated on early stamps will be in French francs (c. and fr.).
Popular series
-
Navigation and Commerce
1900-1906
Overprinted stamps of French Colonies 'Navigation and Commerce' series, featuring various ships and allegorical figures, surcharged for Dahomey.
-
Dahomey Pictorials
1913-1939
A long-running series depicting local scenes, flora, fauna, and portraits of colonial administrators, characteristic of French colonial issues.
-
Independence Issues
1960-1961
Stamps commemorating the country's independence, often featuring national symbols, maps, or portraits of leaders.
-
Definitives of the Republic
1960s-1970s
Regular definitive issues of the independent Republic of Dahomey, showcasing local culture, industry, and wildlife.
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+
Early colonial issues, especially those with rare overprints or errors, can be quite valuable. Later definitive sets are generally affordable, but complete sets in fine condition can fetch higher prices. Independence issues are also popular.
Catalogs. Dahomey 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 Dahomey stamps
Dahomey stamps are postage stamps issued by the West African nation of Dahomey, initially as a French colony from 1899 and then as an independent republic until 1975 when it was renamed Benin. Their postal history reflects French colonial administration and subsequent national sovereignty.
The value of Dahomey stamps varies significantly. Early colonial issues, particularly those with specific overprints or in pristine condition, can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars. Later definitive stamps from the independent republic are generally more common and affordable, typically valued between $0.50 and $5, though complete sets or specific commemoratives can be worth more.
You can identify Dahomey stamps by looking for the country name 'DAHOMEY' printed on them, often in French. Early issues may be overprinted 'DAHOMEY' on stamps of French Colonies. Designs frequently depict local scenes, wildlife, or colonial and national figures. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Dahomey stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel catalog (especially for European and colonial issues), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, among others.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.