French Togo Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Togo Stamps
French Togo, located in West Africa, was administered as a League of Nations and later United Nations mandate territory under French authority following World War I. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the French colonial postal system, with stamps initially denominated in French currency and featuring French colonial designs. The territory transitioned through various administrative phases, including its eventual independence as Togo in 1960, which marked the end of French postal administration and the issuance of definitive national stamps. Stamps from this period predominantly feature French inscriptions alongside local imagery.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- West Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1914 – 1960
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- XOF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Togo stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Togo Stamp Series
General Issues (Overprints) (1914-1921)
Early issues often consisted of German Togo stamps overprinted 'TOGO' or 'TOGO ANGLO-FRANÇAIS' and later French colonial stamps overprinted for use in the territory.
League of Nations Mandate Issues (1921-1941)
Stamps specifically inscribed 'TOGO' or 'TOGO POSTES' with designs reflecting French colonial style, often featuring local scenes or portraits.
French West Africa Issues (1944-1958)
During and after WWII, some stamps of French West Africa were used, sometimes overprinted, reflecting the broader colonial administration.
French Togo Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common French Togo stamps are generally affordable. Rarer issues include early overprints, errors, and high-denomination stamps, especially those in fine condition or on cover. Early provisional issues and stamps from the German colonial period overprinted for French use can command higher prices.
How to Identify French Togo Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Togo stamps:
- 1 Look for 'TOGO' or 'TOGO POSTES' inscriptions, often alongside 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' or 'COLONIES POSTES'.
- 2 Early issues may be German Togo stamps with French overprints.
- 3 Denominations are typically in French francs or centimes.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Togo stamps?
French Togo stamps are postage stamps issued for the territory of French Togo, a League of Nations and later United Nations mandate administered by France in West Africa, from 1914 until its independence as Togo in 1960. They reflect French colonial postal administration and often feature French inscriptions.
Are French Togo stamps valuable?
The value of French Togo stamps varies. Many common issues are relatively inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, rare stamps, such as early overprints, specific provisional issues, errors, or high-denomination stamps in superb condition, can be quite valuable, fetching €50 to over €500.
How can I identify French Togo stamps?
To identify French Togo stamps, look for inscriptions like 'TOGO', 'TOGO POSTES', 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE', or 'COLONIES POSTES'. Early issues might be German Togo stamps with French overprints. Denominations are in French currency. Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the origin and catalog details of your stamps.
Which catalogs list French Togo stamps?
French Togo stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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