Katanga Stamps
Katanga, a region in south-central Africa, briefly existed as an independent state following the collapse of Belgian colonial rule in the Congo during the early 1960s. During its secession (1960–1963), Katanga issued its own provisional postage stamps, often overprinted on existing Belgian Congo issues, reflecting the turbulent political transition.
- Issued stamps
- 1960–1962
- Region
- Africa, Central Africa
- Currency
- CDF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Belgian Congo
About Katanga stamps
The primary language appearing on these issues was French, the official language inherited from the Belgian administration. The brief existence of the Republic of Katanga ended when it was reincorporated into the newly formed Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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.
- KATANGA
- ETAT DU KATANGA
How to identify Katanga stamps
- Look for the overprint 'KATANGA' or 'ETAT DU KATANGA' on stamps originally issued for Belgian Congo.
- Examine the designs of definitive issues for local Katangan imagery and the 'ETAT DU KATANGA' inscription.
- Pay attention to the cancellation marks, which may indicate usage within Katanga during its brief existence.
Popular series
-
Provisional Overprints
1960-1961
Stamps of Belgian Congo overprinted with 'KATANGA' or 'ETAT DU KATANGA' to signify the new independent state.
-
Definitive Issues
1961-1962
A limited number of definitive stamps featuring local motifs and the inscription 'ETAT DU KATANGA'.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1000+
The value of Katanga stamps varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are on cover. Early provisional issues, especially those with scarce overprint varieties or errors, tend to be more valuable. Later definitive issues are generally less valuable unless in pristine condition or part of a complete set.
Catalogs. Katanga 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 Katanga stamps
Katanga stamps are postage stamps issued by the secessionist State of Katanga between 1960 and 1962. These often consist of Belgian Congo stamps overprinted with 'KATANGA' or 'ETAT DU KATANGA', along with a few definitive issues.
Some Katanga stamps can be quite valuable, particularly rare provisional overprints, errors, or stamps on original covers. Common issues are generally affordable, ranging from a few dollars to tens of dollars, while rarer items can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition and specific varieties play a crucial role in their value.
You can identify Katanga stamps by looking for the distinctive 'KATANGA' or 'ETAT DU KATANGA' overprints on Belgian Congo stamps, or by recognizing the unique designs of their limited definitive issues. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Katanga stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under 'Katanga'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, including varieties, issue dates, and estimated values.
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