Río de Oro Stamps
Rio de Oro, a historical territory located in the northwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula, was geographically situated in what is now modern-day Spain and Portugal. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the evolving political boundaries of the Iberian kingdoms, primarily Castille and later Spain, before the definitive establishment of modern national postal systems.
- Issued stamps
- 1905–1921
- Region
- Africa, North Africa
- Currency
- Spanish Peseta
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Spain
About Río de Oro stamps
Stamps issued from this area, when it functioned as a distinct administrative entity, would have reflected the dominant Iberian languages, most notably Spanish or Portuguese, depending on the prevailing political control at the time of issuance. The territory's administrative status shifted significantly through medieval and early modern periods, influencing the standardization and issuance of postal documentation.
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.
- RIO DE ORO
- SAHARA OCCIDENTAL
How to identify Río de Oro stamps
- Look for the overprint 'RIO DE ORO' or 'SAHARA OCCIDENTAL' on Spanish stamps.
- Pay attention to the specific type and color of the overprint, as varieties exist.
- Examine the base stamp for the portrait of King Alfonso XIII or other Spanish definitive designs.
Popular series
-
Alfonso XIII Definitive Series
1905-1921
The initial definitive series featuring King Alfonso XIII of Spain, overprinted 'RIO DE ORO' or 'SAHARA OCCIDENTAL' and surcharged with new values. These are key issues for the territory.
-
Provisional Issues
1909-1910
Various Spanish stamps overprinted or surcharged locally due to shortages, often exhibiting interesting varieties in typography and color.
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
- €1–€20
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€1,000+
Common stamps are affordable, especially those with minor overprint varieties. Rare stamps include specific overprint errors, high values, and certain provisional issues. Condition significantly impacts value.
Catalogs. Río de Oro 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 Río de Oro stamps
Río de Oro stamps are postage stamps issued for the Spanish colonial territory of Río de Oro, located in what is now Western Sahara. These stamps were primarily Spanish stamps overprinted with 'RIO DE ORO' or 'SAHARA OCCIDENTAL' and sometimes surcharged with new values, used between 1905 and 1921.
The value of Río de Oro stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare overprints, errors, high denominations, or specific provisional issues can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition is a major factor in determining value.
To identify Río de Oro stamps, look for the distinctive overprint 'RIO DE ORO' or 'SAHARA OCCIDENTAL' on Spanish stamps, often featuring King Alfonso XIII. Compare your stamps with catalog images and pay attention to overprint details and surcharges. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Río de Oro stamps are extensively listed in major stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Spanish Sahara or Spanish Colonies), Michel (under Spanische Kolonien), and Stanley Gibbons (under Spanish Colonies or Spanish West Africa).
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