Italian East Africa Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Italian East Africa Stamps
Italian East Africa was a colonial territory in Northeast Africa, encompassing modern-day Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, administered by the Kingdom of Italy. Its postal history is defined by the Italian colonial administration, beginning with the unification of these territories following the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, and stamps generally featured Italian and sometimes Amharic or Arabic inscriptions. This entity existed primarily between 1936 and 1941, after which the territory was occupied by Allied forces, leading to the dissolution of the unified postal system and the re-establishment of separate administrations.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- East Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1938 – 1941
- Languages:
- Italian, Amharic, Arabic
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- Italy
Stamp Catalogs
Italian East Africa stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Italian East Africa Stamp Series
General Issues (1938-1941)
The primary series of stamps issued for Italian East Africa, often featuring Italian themes and sometimes overprinted with local languages.
Propaganda Issues (1938-1941)
Stamps depicting symbols of the Italian Fascist regime or celebrating colonial achievements.
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Italian East Africa Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer issues include specific varieties, errors, or stamps in pristine condition, especially those used on cover.
How to Identify Italian East Africa Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Italian East Africa stamps:
- 1 Look for 'AFRICA ORIENTALE ITALIANA' or 'A.O.I.' inscriptions.
- 2 Stamps often feature Italian imagery, sometimes with additional Amharic or Arabic text.
- 3 The period of issue is very short (1938-1941), which helps narrow down identification.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian East Africa stamps?
Italian East Africa stamps were issued by the Kingdom of Italy for its colonial territory in Northeast Africa, encompassing modern-day Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, between 1938 and 1941. They typically bear inscriptions like 'AFRICA ORIENTALE ITALIANA' and reflect Italian colonial administration.
Are Italian East Africa stamps valuable?
Most common Italian East Africa stamps are relatively inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, certain rare varieties, errors, or stamps in exceptional condition, particularly those used on cover, can fetch significantly higher prices, sometimes exceeding €500.
How can I identify Italian East Africa stamps?
You can identify Italian East Africa stamps by looking for the explicit 'AFRICA ORIENTALE ITALIANA' or 'A.O.I.' inscriptions. They often feature Italian designs, sometimes with additional text in Amharic or Arabic. For precise identification and catalog numbers, use a stamp identifier app or consult specialized philatelic catalogs.
Which catalogs list Italian East Africa stamps?
Italian East Africa stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, descriptions, and estimated values.
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