Mauritania Stamps
Mauritania is a nation situated in Northwest Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and encompassing much of the western Sahara Desert. As a former French colony, its postal history is deeply intertwined with the French colonial administration, and stamps predominantly feature French alongside Arabic.
- Issued stamps
- 1906–2018
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- MRU
- Languages
- Arabic, French
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
- Part of
- French West Africa
About Mauritania stamps
Following independence in 1960, Mauritania joined the Universal Postal Union and its philatelic output reflects its transition to a sovereign state, often featuring themes related to Arab culture and Saharan geography. The country's political history, including periods of military rule, has occasionally influenced the issuance and design of its postal materials.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Mauritania stamps
- Look for inscriptions 'Mauritanie', 'République Islamique de Mauritanie', or 'Afrique Occidentale Française' (for colonial issues).
- Stamps often feature bilingual text in French and Arabic.
- Early issues may bear the 'RF' (République Française) monogram or Marianne effigy.
Popular series
-
Colonial Issues (French West Africa)
1906-1959
Stamps issued under French colonial administration, often featuring allegorical figures, local scenes, or portraits of French leaders, inscribed 'Afrique Occidentale Française' or 'Mauritanie'.
-
Independence Issues
1960s
Early stamps celebrating Mauritania's independence, often depicting national symbols, maps, or significant events.
-
Saharan Landscapes and Wildlife
1970s-1990s
A popular theme showcasing the unique desert environment, its flora, and fauna, reflecting the country's geography.
-
Arab Culture and Heritage
Various
Stamps highlighting Islamic art, traditional costumes, historical sites, and other aspects of Mauritanian and Arab culture.
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
- €0.20–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Early colonial issues, particularly those with scarce overprints or higher denominations, tend to be more valuable. Post-independence issues are generally affordable, with some thematic sets or errors commanding higher prices. Condition is crucial for value.
Catalogs. Mauritania 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 Mauritania stamps
Mauritania stamps are postage stamps issued by Mauritania, a nation in Northwest Africa. They include issues from its time as a French colony (often as part of French West Africa) and as an independent republic since 1960. Their designs often reflect French colonial influence, Arab culture, and Saharan geography.
The value of Mauritania stamps varies. Common post-independence issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.20 to €5. However, earlier colonial issues, especially those with specific overprints, errors, or higher denominations, can be quite valuable, fetching €50 to over €500. Rarity, condition, and demand from thematic collectors also play a significant role.
You can identify Mauritania stamps by looking for the country's name, typically 'Mauritanie' or 'République Islamique de Mauritanie', often alongside French and Arabic text. Colonial issues may be inscribed 'Afrique Occidentale Française' or feature French colonial designs. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Mauritania stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel catalog (especially for European and former colonial issues), and the Stanley Gibbons catalog, particularly the Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps volumes for colonial-era issues and their subsequent independent listings.
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