French Post Ethiopia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Post in Ethiopia Stamps
French Post Ethiopia refers to the postal services operated by France within the territory of Ethiopia, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when French influence was significant in the region. These issues are geographically situated in the Horn of Africa and reflect the colonial administrative reach of the French postal system in an independent empire. Stamps typically bear French inscriptions, often overprinted on French colonial issues or specific local denominations, illustrating a period before Ethiopia fully integrated into the Universal Postal Union (UPU) system under its own authority. This postal entity ceased operations following shifting geopolitical alignments and the consolidation of Ethiopian national postal control.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Horn of Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1907 – 1907
- Languages:
- French, Amharic
- Currency:
- FRF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Post in Ethiopia stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Post in Ethiopia Stamp Series
French Colonial Issues Overprinted (1907)
Stamps of French colonies (often Obock or Djibouti) overprinted 'ETHIOPIE' or 'AFARS ET ISSAS' for use in French postal agencies in Ethiopia.
Surcharged Issues (1907)
Existing French colonial stamps overprinted with new values, reflecting local postal rates.
issuer:french-post-ethiopia.series.items.2.name (issuer:french-post-ethiopia.series.items.2.period)
issuer:french-post-ethiopia.series.items.2.description
French Post in Ethiopia Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the base stamp. Forgeries and unofficial overprints are common, impacting value.
How to Identify French Post in Ethiopia Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Post in Ethiopia stamps:
- 1 Look for 'ETHIOPIE' or 'AFARS ET ISSAS' overprints on French colonial stamps.
- 2 Examine the base stamp for its original colonial origin (e.g., Obock, Djibouti).
- 3 Verify the authenticity of overprints, as many forgeries exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Post Ethiopia stamps?
French Post Ethiopia stamps refer to postal issues used by French postal agencies operating within Ethiopia, primarily in 1907. These were typically French colonial stamps, often from Obock or Djibouti, overprinted with 'ETHIOPIE' or 'AFARS ET ISSAS' to denote their use in the region.
Are French Post Ethiopia stamps valuable?
The value of French Post Ethiopia stamps varies significantly. Common issues can be found for €5-€50, while rare overprints, specific base stamps, or those in pristine condition can fetch hundreds of euros. The presence of genuine overprints is crucial for value, as many forgeries exist.
How can I identify French Post Ethiopia stamps?
To identify French Post Ethiopia stamps, look for French colonial stamps bearing overprints such as 'ETHIOPIE' or 'AFARS ET ISSAS'. Pay close attention to the original colony of the base stamp. For precise identification and authentication, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting specialized catalogs.
Which catalogs list French Post Ethiopia stamps?
French Post Ethiopia stamps are typically listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within the sections for French Colonies or Ethiopia. Specialized catalogs for French colonial overprints may also provide more detailed information.
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