Portuguese Guinea Stamps
Portuguese Guinea, situated on the West African coast, was a long-standing colony of Portugal until its independence in 1974. Stamps from this territory predominantly feature Portuguese language and iconography reflecting its status as an overseas province of the Portuguese Empire.
- Issued stamps
- 1880–1973
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- PTE
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Portuguese Guinea stamps
Postal issues ceased following the unilateral declaration of independence, leading to a transition in administration and subsequent stamp issues under the new nation of Guinea-Bissau. The territory's postal history is characterized by definitive issues and commemorative sets reflecting Portuguese colonial administration and cultural ties.
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.
- GUINÉ PORTUGUESA
- PORTUGUESA GUINÉ
How to identify Portuguese Guinea stamps
- Look for 'GUINÉ PORTUGUESA' or 'PORTUGUESA GUINÉ' inscription.
- Stamps often feature Portuguese monarchs, Ceres allegory, or local West African imagery.
- Portuguese language is dominant on all issues.
- Check for watermarks, especially on earlier issues, which can be crucial for identification.
Popular series
-
King Carlos I Issues
1898-1906
Definitive issues featuring portraits of King Carlos I, common across Portuguese colonies.
-
Ceres Issues
1914-1930s
The iconic Ceres design, widely used throughout the Portuguese Empire, adapted for Portuguese Guinea.
-
Colonial Empire Issues
1938-1950s
Commemorative and definitive stamps celebrating the Portuguese Colonial Empire, often depicting local scenes and industries.
-
Local Scenery and Fauna
1950s-1970s
Later definitive sets showcasing the natural beauty, wildlife, and local life of Portuguese Guinea.
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+
Early issues, particularly those with surcharges or errors, can be quite valuable. Later definitive sets are generally affordable, while some commemorative sets in mint condition can fetch higher prices. Condition is paramount for value.
Catalogs. Portuguese Guinea 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 Portuguese Guinea stamps
Portuguese Guinea stamps are postage stamps issued for the Portuguese colony of Portuguese Guinea, located in West Africa, from 1880 until its independence in 1974. These stamps reflect Portuguese colonial administration and culture.
The value of Portuguese Guinea stamps varies widely. Common definitive issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, early issues, stamps with errors, specific surcharges, or rare commemorative sets in fine condition can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of euros.
You can identify Portuguese Guinea stamps by looking for inscriptions like 'GUINÉ PORTUGUESA' or 'PORTUGUESA GUINÉ'. They often feature Portuguese monarchs, the Ceres allegory, or local West African scenes. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Portuguese Guinea stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, images, and estimated values for collectors.
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