French Post Morocco Stamps
French Post Morocco refers to the postal administration operating in the French Protectorate of Morocco, situated in North Africa. This entity issued stamps from 1912 until 1956, reflecting the colonial relationship with France and adhering to international postal regulations under French oversight.
- Issued stamps
- 1912–1956
- Region
- Africa, North Africa
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
Stamps from this period predominantly feature French and often Arabic inscriptions, showcasing the dual administrative presence. The postal system transitioned following Moroccan independence, leading to the cessation of French-issued stamps for domestic use.
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.
- MAROC
- POSTES
- PROTECTORAT FRANÇAIS
How to identify them
- Look for 'MAROC' overprints on French stamps, especially early issues.
- Stamps typically feature 'POSTES' and 'MAROC' (or 'PROTECTORAT FRANÇAIS') in French, often accompanied by Arabic script.
- Designs frequently depict Moroccan landscapes, architecture, or allegorical figures representing the protectorate.
Popular series
-
Mouchon Type Surcharges
1912-1917
Early issues consisting of French stamps (Mouchon type) overprinted 'MAROC' and new values in centimes or francs, reflecting the establishment of the protectorate.
-
Allegorical Figures and Landscapes
1917-1922
Definitive series featuring allegorical figures representing France and Morocco, alongside Moroccan landscapes and architecture.
-
Local Scenes and Personalities
1924-1956
Later definitive and commemorative issues depicting various Moroccan scenes, historical figures, and events, often with bilingual inscriptions.
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
- €0.50–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Early overprints, high values, and stamps in mint condition or on cover can fetch significantly higher prices. Errors and varieties are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. French Post Morocco 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 Morocco stamps
French Post Morocco stamps were issued by the French postal administration operating in the French Protectorate of Morocco from 1912 to 1956. These stamps facilitated postal services within the protectorate and internationally under French oversight, often featuring bilingual inscriptions in French and Arabic.
The value of French Post Morocco stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, early overprints, high-denomination stamps, mint condition examples, and rare varieties or errors can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of euros or more.
To identify French Post Morocco stamps, look for the 'MAROC' overprint on French stamps for early issues, or the explicit 'MAROC' or 'PROTECTORAT FRANÇAIS' inscriptions on later definitive series. Many stamps also feature Arabic script alongside 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 Post Morocco stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic references. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, among others.
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