French Post Alexandria Stamps
French Post Alexandria operated as a distinct postal entity within Egypt, situated in North Africa, under the administration of the French postal service. This service was established to facilitate communication for the significant French expatriate and commercial communities residing in the major port city of Alexandria.
- Issued stamps
- 1899–1927
- Region
- Africa, North Africa
- Currency
- EGP
- Languages
- French, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
Stamps issued by this office typically bore French inscriptions, often alongside Egyptian currency denominations, reflecting the dual administrative and commercial presence. The postal history of this entity is intrinsically linked to the broader context of French overseas postal agencies operating under the authority of the French Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs until their eventual closure or integration following political shifts in the region.
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.
- ALEXANDRIE
How to identify them
- Look for the overprint 'ALEXANDRIE' (sometimes in various fonts) on French definitive stamps.
- Verify the surcharge in Egyptian currency (e.g., '1 Piastre', '10 Milliemes').
- Examine the underlying French stamp design (e.g., Sower, Sage, Peace and Commerce types).
Popular series
-
Surcharged French Stamps
1899-1902
French stamps (Sower, Merson, etc.) overprinted 'ALEXANDRIE' and surcharged in Egyptian currency (piastres and milliemes).
-
Type Sage Issues
1902-1921
French 'Type Sage' stamps overprinted 'ALEXANDRIE' and surcharged with values in Egyptian currency.
-
Peace and Commerce (Commerce et Paix) Issues
1921-1927
French 'Peace and Commerce' definitive stamps overprinted 'ALEXANDRIE' and surcharged in Egyptian currency.
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
- €200–€2,000+
Stamps from French Post Alexandria can vary significantly in value. Common surcharged issues are relatively affordable, while errors, scarce denominations, or stamps on cover can command high prices. Condition, especially the clarity of the overprint and surcharge, is crucial.
Catalogs. French Post Alexandria 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 Post Alexandria stamps
French Post Alexandria stamps are issues used by the French postal agency operating in Alexandria, Egypt, from 1899 to 1927. These stamps were typically French definitive stamps overprinted with 'ALEXANDRIE' and surcharged with denominations in Egyptian currency (piastres and milliemes) for local use.
The value of French Post Alexandria stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while scarcer denominations, specific overprint varieties, errors, or stamps on original covers can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition and rarity are key factors in determining value.
To identify French Post Alexandria stamps, look for the distinctive 'ALEXANDRIE' overprint on French stamps, usually accompanied by a surcharge in Egyptian currency. The underlying stamp design will be a standard French definitive issue of the period. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
French Post Alexandria stamps are well-documented in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them listed in Scott (under French Offices in Egypt), Michel (under Französische Post in Ägypten), and Stanley Gibbons (under French Post Offices Abroad - Egypt).
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