South West Africa Stamps
South West Africa, located in Southern Africa, was administered by the Union of South Africa following the dissolution of German colonial rule after World War I. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to South Africa, with stamps often denominated in South African currency and frequently featuring bilingual inscriptions, primarily English and Afrikaans, reflecting the dominant administrative languages.
- Issued stamps
- 1923–1990
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- ZAR
- Languages
- English, Afrikaans, German
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- South Africa
About South West Africa stamps
The territory's status evolved through League of Nations mandates and later United Nations trusteeship, leading to a complex period of postal transition until its independence as Namibia in 1990.
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.
- SOUTH WEST AFRICA
- SUIDWES AFRIKA
How to identify South West Africa stamps
- Look for the inscription 'SOUTH WEST AFRICA' or the bilingual 'SUIDWES AFRIKA' / 'SOUTH WEST AFRICA'.
- Many stamps are overprinted on issues originally intended for South Africa or Great Britain.
- Denominations are typically in South African currency (pence, shillings, cents, rand).
- Early issues (pre-1961) often feature the portrait of the reigning British monarch.
Popular series
-
Pictorials
1923-1930s
Early issues often depicting local wildlife, landscapes, and indigenous people, frequently overprinted 'SOUTH WEST AFRICA' or bilingual 'SUIDWES AFRIKA'.
-
King George V & VI Issues
1927-1952
Stamps featuring portraits of British monarchs, often sharing designs with South African issues but with distinct 'South West Africa' inscriptions.
-
Definitives
1954-1989
A long-running series of definitive stamps featuring diverse themes such as flora, fauna, industry, and cultural aspects, reflecting the territory's development.
-
Commemoratives
1931-1989
Various commemorative issues marking significant events, anniversaries, and international themes, often sharing designs with South Africa but with specific territorial inscriptions.
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–$10
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$1000+
Common South West Africa stamps are generally affordable. Rarer issues include early overprints, specific varieties, and high-value definitives, especially those in fine used or mint condition. Errors and scarce cancellations can also command higher prices.
Catalogs. South West Africa 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 South West Africa stamps
South West Africa stamps were issued for the territory administered by South Africa from 1923 until its independence as Namibia in 1990. They reflect a unique blend of South African postal influence and distinct territorial identity, often featuring bilingual inscriptions and local themes.
The value of South West Africa stamps varies significantly. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from under a dollar to a few dollars. However, early overprints, specific varieties, high-value definitives, and stamps in pristine condition can be quite valuable, potentially fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
To identify South West Africa stamps, look for the clear inscriptions 'SOUTH WEST AFRICA' or 'SUIDWES AFRIKA'. Many early issues are overprints on South African or British stamps. Pay attention to the currency (pence, shillings, cents, rand) and the design motifs, which often include local wildlife, landscapes, or portraits of British monarchs. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
South West Africa stamps are comprehensively listed in major stamp catalogs, including Scott (under South West Africa), Michel (under Südwestafrika), and Stanley Gibbons (under South West Africa). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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