Guadeloupe Stamps
Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France located in the Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to France, utilizing French postal administration and issuing stamps under the French Republic's authority, often featuring French colonial themes before becoming an integral part of the French postal system.
- Issued stamps
- 1884–1947
- Region
- Americas, Caribbean
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
About Guadeloupe stamps
Stamps predominantly feature the French language and use the Euro currency following its adoption by France. As an integral part of France, Guadeloupe's postal issues reflect the administrative and political continuity of the French state rather than distinct colonial or independent postal eras.
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.
- GUADELOUPE
- COLONIES POSTES
How to identify Guadeloupe stamps
- Look for 'GUADELOUPE' or 'COLONIES POSTES' overprints on French stamps.
- Early pictorial issues often depict local Caribbean scenes or portraits.
- Stamps are predominantly in French and often feature French colonial motifs.
Popular series
-
Navigation and Commerce
1884-1892
Overprinted French 'Navigation and Commerce' stamps, featuring the colony's name.
-
Type Sage
1892-1900
French 'Type Sage' stamps overprinted 'GUADELOUPE'.
-
Pictorial Issues
1903-1941
Early pictorial stamps depicting local scenes, flora, and fauna, often with 'GUADELOUPE' inscription.
-
Free French Issues
1941-1944
Stamps issued under the authority of the Free French Forces during World War II.
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–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Early overprinted issues and specific pictorials in fine condition can fetch higher prices. Stamps from the Free French period also hold collector interest. Later issues are generally less valuable.
Catalogs. Guadeloupe 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 Guadeloupe stamps
Guadeloupe stamps refer to postal issues used in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe. From 1884 to 1947, these were primarily French colonial stamps, often overprinted with 'GUADELOUPE' or featuring designs specific to the colony, before becoming fully integrated into the French postal system.
The value of Guadeloupe stamps varies significantly. Early overprinted French stamps and certain pictorial issues, especially in fine condition or with rare varieties, can be quite valuable, ranging from €50 to several hundred euros. More common later issues are typically worth less, often in the €0.50 to €5 range.
Guadeloupe stamps can be identified by the inscription 'GUADELOUPE' or 'COLONIES POSTES' (on earlier issues), and the use of the French language. Many early issues are French stamps overprinted for colonial use, or feature distinct pictorial designs of the island. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Guadeloupe stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issue dates, designs, varieties, and estimated values for collectors.
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