Gabon Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Gabon Stamps
Gabon is located in Central Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. As a former French colony, its postal history is deeply intertwined with the French colonial administration, and stamps predominantly feature French inscriptions. Following independence in 1960, Gabon became a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and has maintained a consistent issuance pattern reflecting its national identity and participation in international postal systems. The official language, French, remains the primary language on its philatelic issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Central Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1886 – 2019
- Languages:
- French
- Currency:
- XAF
- Parent issuer:
- French Colonies
Stamp Catalogs
Gabon stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Gabon Stamp Series
Colonial Issues (French Congo / Gabon) (1886-1936)
Early issues under French colonial administration, often featuring allegorical figures, local scenes, and portraits of French leaders.
French Equatorial Africa Issues (1936-1959)
Stamps issued for the federation of French Equatorial Africa, which included Gabon, often depicting colonial life, wildlife, and infrastructure.
Independence Issues (1960s)
First stamps issued after independence, celebrating national sovereignty, new government, and local culture.
Gabon Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early colonial issues, particularly those with rare cancellations or errors, can fetch significant prices. Post-independence definitive and commemorative sets are generally affordable, with higher values for complete sets or specific thematic issues in fine condition.
How to Identify Gabon Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Gabon stamps:
- 1 Look for 'GABON' or 'REPUBLIQUE GABONAISE' as the primary country inscription.
- 2 Early issues may be inscribed 'CONGO FRANCAIS' or 'AFRIQUE EQUATORIALE FRANCAISE' with 'GABON' overprints or as part of a regional set.
- 3 The official language, French, is consistently used for denominations and descriptive text.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gabon stamps?
Gabon stamps are postage stamps issued by Gabon, a country in Central Africa. Its postal history began under French colonial administration, with stamps initially issued for French Congo and French Equatorial Africa, before Gabon began issuing its own stamps after gaining independence in 1960.
Are Gabon stamps valuable?
The value of Gabon stamps varies. Common post-independence issues are generally affordable, often ranging from €0.20 to €5. However, early colonial stamps, particularly those from French Congo or French Equatorial Africa with specific overprints or rare varieties, can be quite valuable, reaching €50 to over €500. Factors like condition, rarity, and cancellation significantly influence their worth.
How can I identify Gabon stamps?
You can identify Gabon stamps by looking for the country name 'GABON' or 'REPUBLIQUE GABONAISE' printed on them. Earlier issues might be inscribed 'CONGO FRANCAIS' or 'AFRIQUE EQUATORIALE FRANCAISE'. The primary language on the stamps is French. For precise identification and catalog numbers, you can use a stamp identifier app or consult specialized philatelic catalogs.
Which catalogs list Gabon stamps?
Gabon stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Catalogue (especially for African issues), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue (for earlier colonial issues and later independent issues).
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