French Somali Coast Stamps
The French Somali Coast, located in the Horn of Africa, was a significant French colony whose postal history is intrinsically linked to the French colonial empire. Stamps issued during this period predominantly featured French inscriptions and denominations, reflecting its status as an overseas territory of France.
- Issued stamps
- 1893–1967
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Somali, Afar
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
The territory's postal system operated under the general framework of the French postal administration until its transition to the independent Republic of Djibouti in 1977. This period saw the issuance of definitive and commemorative stamps reflecting both French metropolitan designs and local themes.
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.
- CÔTE FRANÇAISE DES SOMALIS
- SOMALIE FRANÇAISE
How to identify them
- Look for 'CÔTE FRANÇAISE DES SOMALIS' or 'SOMALIE FRANÇAISE' inscriptions.
- Denominations are typically in French Francs (Centimes, Francs).
- Many early issues are French colonial general issues overprinted for local use.
- Observe watermarks (often 'R.F.' for République Française) and perforation types.
Popular series
-
Navigation and Commerce
1893-1902
Early definitive issues, often overprinted, featuring allegorical designs common to French colonies.
-
Pictorial Issues
1902-1940s
Stamps depicting local scenes, flora, fauna, and portraits of indigenous people, reflecting colonial themes.
-
Postage Due Stamps
1902-1940s
Specialized issues for collecting underpaid postage, often featuring 'Chiffre Taxe' 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–$10
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Early issues, high denominations, errors, and specific overprints or cancellations can command significantly higher prices. Condition is crucial for value.
Catalogs. French Somali Coast 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 Somali Coast stamps
French Somali Coast stamps are postage stamps issued by the French colonial administration for use in the territory located in the Horn of Africa, from 1893 until its transition to the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas in 1967. They reflect French colonial postal policies and local themes.
The value of French Somali Coast stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally affordable, ranging from $0.50 to $10. However, rare stamps, particularly early issues, high denominations, varieties, or those with specific overprints and cancellations, can be quite valuable, fetching $50 to over $500. Rarity and condition are key determinants of value.
You can identify French Somali Coast stamps by looking for inscriptions such as 'CÔTE FRANÇAISE DES SOMALIS' or 'SOMALIE FRANÇAISE'. Denominations will be in French Francs. Many early stamps are French colonial general issues overprinted for the territory. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
French Somali Coast stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic references. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 3, France & Colonies), the Michel catalogue (specifically for French Colonies), and the Stanley Gibbons catalogue (Part 7, France & Colonies).
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.