French Post Port Said Stamps
French Post Port Said operated as a distinct postal entity in North Africa, specifically within Egypt, under the administration of the French postal service. This service was established to cater to the significant French expatriate and commercial community centered around the Suez Canal.
- Issued stamps
- 1899–1927
- Region
- Africa, North Africa
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
Stamps issued here typically bore French inscriptions, often alongside Arabic, reflecting the colonial and international context of the region. The postal administration ceased operations following the Suez Crisis and the subsequent restructuring of international postal arrangements in the mid-20th century.
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.
- PORT-SAID
How to identify them
- Look for 'PORT-SAID' overprints, usually in black, on standard French postage stamps.
- Many issues also feature additional overprints indicating currency changes (e.g., 'Piastre', 'Millièmes') or other specific postal functions.
- Examine the underlying French stamp design (e.g., Ceres, Sage, Merson, Sower types) to help date and identify the base issue.
Popular series
-
Suez Canal Company Issue
1899
Stamps overprinted 'PORT-SAID' on French general issues, often featuring the 'SUEZ' overprint as well, reflecting the Suez Canal Company's role.
-
Merson Type Overprints
1900-1922
French Merson type stamps overprinted 'PORT-SAID' and sometimes with new values in Egyptian currency.
-
Sower Type Overprints
1903-1922
French Sower type stamps overprinted 'PORT-SAID' and often surcharged with new values 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
- €100–€5,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific French base stamp, the overprint variety, condition, and whether it's on cover. Early issues and errors are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. French Post Port Said 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 Said stamps
French Post Port Said stamps are French postage stamps that were overprinted 'PORT-SAID' and sometimes surcharged with local currency values for use by the French postal administration in Port Said, Egypt, from 1899 to 1927. They served the French community and commercial interests around the Suez Canal.
The value of French Post Port Said stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for €5-€50, while rare varieties, errors, or stamps on original covers can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Factors like the base stamp, overprint type, condition, and rarity significantly influence their market price.
To identify French Post Port Said stamps, look for the distinct 'PORT-SAID' overprint on French stamps. Pay attention to any additional surcharges or overprints indicating currency. 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 Said stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (usually within 'French Offices Abroad' or 'Egypt'), Michel (under 'Französische Post in Ägypten'), and Stanley Gibbons (under 'French Post Offices in Egypt'). Specialized French colonial catalogs also provide detailed listings.
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