Mozambique Company Stamps
The Mozambique Company, or Companhia de Moçambique, administered a vast concessionary territory in southeastern Africa, primarily encompassing what is now Mozambique south of the Zambezi River. This entity operated under a Portuguese royal charter, issuing its own distinctive postage stamps from 1898 until the territory was fully reintegrated into Portuguese East Africa in 1942.
- Issued stamps
- 1898–1941
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- Portuguese Escudo
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Mozambique Company stamps
Stamps from this period predominantly feature Portuguese text and iconography related to the concessionary administration. The company's postal history is significant as it represents a unique period of private corporate control over postal services within a Portuguese colonial sphere before direct metropolitan administration resumed.
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.
- COMPANHIA DE MOÇAMBIQUE
- MOÇAMBIQUE
How to identify Mozambique Company stamps
- Look for the inscription 'COMPANHIA DE MOÇAMBIQUE' or 'MOÇAMBIQUE' prominently displayed.
- Stamps are predominantly in Portuguese, often featuring Portuguese monarchs, republican symbols, or allegorical figures like Ceres.
- Many issues are overprinted or surcharged, indicating changes in postal rates or political status. Pay close attention to these overprints for identification and value.
Popular series
-
King Carlos I Issues
1898-1903
The first stamps issued by the company, featuring the portrait of King Carlos I of Portugal, often overprinted with 'COMPANHIA DE MOÇAMBIQUE'.
-
Republica Issues
1911-1914
Stamps of Portugal overprinted 'REPUBLICA' and 'COMPANHIA DE MOÇAMBIQUE', reflecting the change in government in Portugal.
-
Vasco da Gama Issues
1914-1920
Definitive series featuring the explorer Vasco da Gama, often found with various overprints and surcharges.
-
Ceres Issues
1920-1941
The long-running definitive series featuring the head of Ceres, adapted from Portuguese designs, with numerous printings and surcharges.
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+
Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Higher values and rare varieties, especially those with specific overprints, errors, or in pristine condition (mint never hinged), can fetch significant prices. Early issues and complete sets are generally more valuable.
Catalogs. Mozambique Company 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 Mozambique Company stamps
Mozambique Company stamps were issued by a private chartered company, Companhia de Moçambique, which administered a large concessionary territory in what is now Mozambique from 1898 to 1941. These stamps were used for postal services within their territory before it was fully integrated into Portuguese East Africa.
The value of Mozambique Company stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for under a dollar, while rarer stamps, especially early issues, specific overprints, errors, or high-denomination definitives in fine condition, can be worth hundreds of dollars. Condition, rarity, and historical significance are key factors in determining value.
You can identify Mozambique Company stamps by looking for the explicit inscription 'COMPANHIA DE MOÇAMBIQUE' or 'MOÇAMBIQUE' in Portuguese. They often feature portraits of Portuguese monarchs (e.g., King Carlos I), republican symbols, or the Ceres design. Many stamps are overprinted. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Mozambique Company stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values.
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