Kionga Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Kionga Stamps
Kionga, a small territory located on the East African coast, was historically administered as a German colony before World War I. Following the war, it was transferred to Portuguese administration under a League of Nations mandate, becoming part of the territory of Mozambique. Stamps issued for Kionga during its brief independent postal history, primarily between 1914 and 1920, predominantly feature Portuguese language and currency. This territory's distinct postal issues ceased when it was fully integrated into the Portuguese colonial postal system.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- East Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1916 – 1916
- Languages:
- Portuguese
- Currency:
- PTE
- Parent issuer:
- Portugal
Stamp Catalogs
Kionga stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Kionga Stamp Series
Kionga Provisional Issues (1916)
Stamps of German East Africa overprinted 'KIONGA' and new values in Portuguese currency.
Kionga Definitive Issues (1916)
Stamps of Mozambique overprinted 'KIONGA' and new values.
issuer:kionga.series.items.2.name (issuer:kionga.series.items.2.period)
issuer:kionga.series.items.2.description
Kionga Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Kionga stamps is highly dependent on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are genuinely used or unused. Forgeries and speculative issues exist, making expert authentication crucial for higher-value items. The provisional issues are generally more sought after.
How to Identify Kionga Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Kionga stamps:
- 1 Look for the 'KIONGA' overprint, typically in black, on stamps originally from German East Africa or Mozambique.
- 2 Verify the currency denominations, which will be in Portuguese escudos (e.g., '5 Centavos', '10 Centavos').
- 3 Examine the underlying stamp design to determine if it's a German East Africa issue (e.g., 'Yacht Hohenzollern' series) or a Mozambique issue.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kionga stamps?
Kionga stamps are provisional postal issues created for the small territory of Kionga in East Africa. They consist of stamps from German East Africa or Mozambique that were overprinted with 'KIONGA' and new Portuguese currency values, primarily in 1916, following its transfer from German to Portuguese administration.
Are Kionga stamps valuable?
Yes, Kionga stamps can be valuable, especially the genuine provisional issues from 1916. Their value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, the condition of the stamp, and whether it's genuinely used. Rarer varieties and well-preserved examples can fetch hundreds of euros, while more common types might be in the €5-€50 range. Authentication is often recommended due to the existence of forgeries.
How can I identify Kionga stamps?
To identify Kionga stamps, look for the distinct 'KIONGA' overprint on stamps that originally belonged to German East Africa or Mozambique. Pay close attention to the currency denominations, which will be in Portuguese escudos. Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the origin and authenticity of the underlying stamp and the overprint.
Which catalogs list Kionga stamps?
Kionga stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, their catalog numbers, and estimated values based on condition.
Not sure if your stamp is from Kionga?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store