French Post Port Lagos Stamps
French Post Port Lagos was an administrative entity operating within the British colony of Lagos, located in West Africa. This unique postal arrangement reflects the complex colonial interplay between France and Great Britain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often involving specific agreements for mail transit through major ports.
- Issued stamps
- 1893–1893
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
Stamps issued under this authority typically bear French inscriptions, such as "Postes Françaises," alongside denominations in French currency, signifying their role in facilitating mail between French territories and the wider world via the busy Lagos harbor. The existence of this office ceased upon the consolidation of postal services under British control or subsequent political realignments in the region.
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- LAGOS
- POSTES
- REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
How to identify them
- Look for stamps of French Colonies General Issues (e.g., 'Commerce et Navigation' or 'Allegory and Colonies') bearing a distinct overprint 'LAGOS' and new values (e.g., '5c', '10c', '25c', '50c', '1F') in French currency.
- The overprint is typically in black, applied horizontally or diagonally.
- Stamps will feature the inscription 'POSTES' and 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE'.
Popular series
-
General Issues with Surcharge
1893
Stamps of French Colonies General Issues overprinted with 'LAGOS' and new denominations in French currency, specifically for use at the French Post Office in Lagos.
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
- €50–€200
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€2,000+
The stamps are relatively scarce due to their short period of use and specific purpose. Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint varieties, and cancellations. Unused examples are generally more valuable.
Catalogs. French Post Port Lagos 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 Port Lagos stamps
French Post Port Lagos stamps were issued for use by the French Post Office operating within the British colony of Lagos, West Africa, in 1893. These were French Colonies general issue stamps overprinted with 'LAGOS' and new French currency denominations to facilitate mail services for French interests in the busy port.
Yes, French Post Port Lagos stamps are generally considered valuable due to their short period of use and historical significance. Common examples can range from €50 to €200, while rare varieties, particularly those in fine condition or with specific overprint errors, can fetch €500 to over €2,000.
To identify French Post Port Lagos stamps, look for French colonial stamps (often depicting allegorical figures or commerce) that have a clear overprint 'LAGOS' and new French currency values. 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 Port Lagos stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, values, and historical context for collectors.
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