Elobey, Annobón and Corisco Stamps
Elobey Annobon and Corisco, often referred to as Spanish Guinea, comprised a small collection of islands and coastal territories in West Africa, forming part of the Spanish colonial empire. Postal services were administered under Spanish authority, reflecting the territory's status as a Spanish possession in the Gulf of Guinea until its independence as Equatorial Guinea.
- Issued stamps
- 1903–1908
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- ESP
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Spain
History and background
Stamps issued for these islands predominantly featured Spanish language inscriptions and Spanish currency denominations, often mirroring issues from mainland Spanish colonies. The distinct postal issues for these specific islands ceased upon the unification of the territory under a single administration leading up to the late 1960s.
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.
- GUINEA ESPAÑOLA
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'ELOBEY, ANNOBON Y CORISCO' or 'GUINEA ESPAÑOLA' (though the latter is more general).
- Stamps feature portraits of King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
- Denominations are in Spanish currency (céntimos and pesetas).
- The stamps are typically small to medium in size, often with a simple design.
Popular series
-
King Alfonso XIII Issues
1903-1908
The primary and only series issued for these islands, featuring portraits of King Alfonso XIII of Spain, common to many Spanish colonial issues of the period.
-
Definitive Issues
1903-1908
These stamps served as the standard postage for the territories, depicting the Spanish monarch and inscribed with the territory's name.
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
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€500+
Stamps from Elobey, Annobón and Corisco are generally sought after by collectors of Spanish colonial issues. Higher values and well-preserved examples, especially unused or with clear cancellations, command better prices. Complete sets are particularly desirable.
Catalogs. Elobey, Annobón and Corisco 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 Elobey, Annobón and Corisco stamps
Elobey, Annobón and Corisco stamps were issued for a group of Spanish colonial islands and coastal territories in West Africa, part of what would later become Equatorial Guinea. They were in use from 1903 to 1908 and are distinct philatelic issues from the Spanish colonial era.
Yes, stamps from Elobey, Annobón and Corisco can be valuable, especially complete sets, higher denominations, or well-preserved unused examples. Their limited period of issue and historical significance contribute to their collectibility. Common stamps might fetch a few euros, while rare varieties or high-value issues can be worth hundreds.
To identify Elobey, Annobón and Corisco stamps, look for the specific inscription 'ELOBEY, ANNOBON Y CORISCO' or 'GUINEA ESPAÑOLA' (as they were part of Spanish Guinea), and the portrait of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. Denominations will be in céntimos or pesetas. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Elobey, Annobón and Corisco stamps are listed in major stamp catalogs including Scott (under Spanish Guinea or Elobey, Annobón and Corisco), Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (Great Britain). These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values.
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