French Committee of National Liberation Stamps
The French Committee of National Liberation (CFLN) represented the Free French forces operating primarily from North Africa during World War II. This entity, based in Algiers, served as the provisional government of France and issued stamps to maintain postal services across territories loyal to the Allies.
- Issued stamps
- 1943–1944
- Region
- Africa, North Africa
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
Stamps from this period typically bear French inscriptions and often feature symbols of the Free French cause, reflecting a critical transitional phase between the fall of France and the establishment of the Fourth Republic. The postal issues document the administrative continuity maintained by the resistance government outside of occupied metropolitan France.
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.
- ALGER
How to identify them
- Look for 'RF' (République Française) or 'France Libre' overprints on stamps originally issued for French colonies.
- Examine inscriptions for 'ALGER' or 'COMITE FRANCAIS DE LA LIBERATION NATIONALE'.
- Note the period of issue (1943-1944) and the French language used for all inscriptions.
- Many stamps feature symbols of the Free French cause, such as the Cross of Lorraine or portraits of Marianne.
Popular series
-
Marianne de Londres Overprints
1943
Stamps of French colonies overprinted 'RF' (République Française) or 'France Libre' for use by the Free French forces.
-
Algiers Issues
1943-1944
Definitive and commemorative stamps issued directly by the CFLN in Algiers, often featuring symbols of liberation or French historical figures.
-
Provisional Issues
1943-1944
Various provisional issues and surcharges used in territories under CFLN control, reflecting the wartime conditions and administrative changes.
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
- $1–$10
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common issues are relatively inexpensive. Rarer varieties include specific overprint errors, scarce cancellations, and certain high-value definitives or commemoratives, especially in mint condition or on cover. Expertization is recommended for higher-value items.
Catalogs. French Committee of National Liberation 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 French Committee of National Liberation stamps
French Committee of National Liberation (CFLN) stamps were postal issues produced by the provisional government of France, based in Algiers, during World War II (1943-1944). These stamps served territories loyal to the Free French forces and represented the administrative continuity of France outside of occupied metropolitan France.
The value of French Committee of National Liberation stamps varies. Many common issues are affordable, ranging from $1 to $10. However, rare varieties, such as specific overprint errors, scarce cancellations, or certain high-value definitives, can fetch prices from $50 to over $500, especially in pristine condition. Their historical significance also adds to their appeal for collectors.
You can identify French Committee of National Liberation stamps by looking for 'RF' or 'France Libre' overprints on colonial French stamps, or inscriptions like 'ALGER' or 'COMITE FRANCAIS DE LA LIBERATION NATIONALE' on stamps issued directly by the CFLN. The period of issue is strictly 1943-1944, and they are always in French. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
French Committee of National Liberation stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values, making them essential resources for collectors.
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