Nossi-Bé Stamps
Nossi Be is an island located off the northwest coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, historically part of the French colonial sphere. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to France, with stamps initially issued under French administration, often reflecting its status as a French possession or protectorate.
- Issued stamps
- 1889–1894
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
About Nossi-Bé stamps
The language prominently featured on these issues is French, reflecting the colonial power. The island's postal autonomy was often integrated with or subordinate to the broader postal administration of Madagascar, leading to distinct issues during various periods of French colonial rule before its integration into modern Madagascar.
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.
- NOSSI-BÉ
- NOSSI BE
How to identify Nossi-Bé stamps
- Look for the inscription 'NOSSI-BÉ' or 'NOSSI BE' on the stamps.
- Many early issues are French Colonies stamps overprinted for Nossi-Bé.
- Designs often feature allegorical figures (e.g., Commerce and Navigation) or portraits typical of French colonial issues.
Popular series
-
General Issues with French Colonies Overprint
1889-1891
Stamps of French Colonies overprinted 'Nossi-Bé' with various values, often featuring the 'Commerce and Navigation' design.
-
Type Sage Issues
1892-1894
Stamps of the 'Type Sage' design, common to many French colonies, specifically issued for Nossi-Bé.
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–€1,000+
Early Nossi-Bé issues, especially those with specific overprints or higher denominations, can be quite valuable. Condition plays a significant role.
Catalogs. Nossi-Bé 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 Nossi-Bé stamps
Nossi-Bé stamps are postage stamps issued for the island of Nossi-Bé, a French colonial possession off the coast of Madagascar, between 1889 and 1894. They often consist of French Colonies stamps overprinted with the island's name.
Some Nossi-Bé stamps can be quite valuable, particularly early issues, specific overprints, or higher denominations in good condition. Common stamps might range from €5-€50, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
To identify Nossi-Bé stamps, look for the 'NOSSI-BÉ' or 'NOSSI BE' inscription. Many are French colonial designs overprinted. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Nossi-Bé stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically found within sections dedicated to French Colonies or Madagascar.
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