East Africa & Uganda Protectorates Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About East Africa & Uganda Protectorates Stamps
The East Africa and Uganda Protectorates were British colonial territories located in East Africa, primarily encompassing modern-day Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika. Postal services in these regions were administered under the British East Africa Administration, often sharing issues or using unified frankings until later administrative divisions. Stamps from this period typically feature English inscriptions alongside denominations in various British currency systems, including rupees and later shillings. This unified postal entity existed until the territories were reorganized into separate colonial administrations, leading to distinct stamp issues for Kenya, Uganda, and the East Africa and Uganda Protectorates' successor entities.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- East Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1903 – 1921
- Languages:
- English, Swahili
- Currency:
- GBP
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular East Africa & Uganda Protectorates Stamp Series
King Edward VII Issues (1903-1911)
The first definitive issues for the Protectorates, featuring the portrait of King Edward VII, often with 'East Africa & Uganda Protectorates' inscription. Denominations in Rupees and Annas.
King George V Issues (1912-1921)
Definitive stamps depicting King George V, initially in Rupees and Annas, later transitioning to Shillings and Cents. These issues are notable for their variety of watermarks and printings.
War Tax Issues (1916-1917)
Stamps overprinted 'WAR TAX' during World War I, often on King George V definitives, to raise funds for the war effort.
East Africa & Uganda Protectorates Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on condition, specific issue (especially early King Edward VII high values), watermarks, printings, and overprints. Mint never hinged examples and rare errors or varieties command premium prices.
How to Identify East Africa & Uganda Protectorates Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'EAST AFRICA & UGANDA PROTECTORATES' or 'EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PROTECTORATES'.
- 2 Identify the monarch's portrait (King Edward VII or King George V).
- 3 Note the currency: early issues are in Rupees and Annas, later issues in Shillings and Cents.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps?
East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps were issued by the British colonial administration for the combined territories of British East Africa and Uganda, primarily covering modern-day Kenya and Uganda, from 1903 to 1921. They served as the official postage for these regions before their postal services were further divided.
Are East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps valuable?
Yes, some East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps can be quite valuable, especially early definitive issues, high denominations, and varieties such as specific watermarks, printings, or errors. Common lower-value stamps are generally affordable, but rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds at auction. Condition plays a significant role in determining value.
How can I identify East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps?
To identify East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps, look for the specific inscription 'EAST AFRICA & UGANDA PROTECTORATES' or 'EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PROTECTORATES'. Pay attention to the portrait of the reigning monarch (Edward VII or George V) and the currency denomination (Rupees/Annas or Shillings/Cents). For precise identification and valuation, using a philatelic catalog and a stamp identifier app can be extremely helpful.
Which catalogs list East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps?
East Africa & Uganda Protectorates stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Michel Ãœbersee-Katalog (Overseas Catalog).
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