São Tomé and Príncipe Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About São Tomé and Príncipe Stamps
St. Thomas and Prince Islands, now known as São Tomé and Príncipe, is an island nation situated in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa. Historically a Portuguese colony, the islands gained independence in 1975, transitioning from Portuguese colonial administration to a sovereign state. Stamps from the colonial era predominantly feature Portuguese inscriptions and iconography, while post-independence issues reflect national identity and use Portuguese as the official language. The country's postal history is marked by its association with the Universal Postal Union following independence, succeeding the earlier colonial postal system.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Western Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1869 – present
- Languages:
- Portuguese
- Currency:
- STD
- Parent issuer:
- Portugal
Stamp Catalogs
São Tomé and Príncipe stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular São Tomé and Príncipe Stamp Series
King Luís I Issues (1869-1886)
Early colonial issues featuring King Luís I of Portugal, often with 'Coroa' (crown) watermark.
Ceres Issues (1914-1930s)
Definitive series depicting the Roman goddess Ceres, common across Portuguese colonies with local overprints or inscriptions.
Independence Commemoratives (1975 onwards)
Stamps celebrating the nation's independence and subsequent national themes, often colorful and depicting local flora, fauna, and culture.
São Tomé and Príncipe Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common colonial issues are inexpensive. Early issues, particularly those with errors, rare cancellations, or high values, can fetch significant prices. Post-independence issues are generally affordable, with some thematic sets holding moderate value.
How to Identify São Tomé and Príncipe Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying São Tomé and Príncipe stamps:
- 1 Look for 'S. THOME E PRINCIPE' or 'S. TOMÉ E PRÍNCIPE' inscriptions.
- 2 Colonial stamps often feature Portuguese monarchs or symbols, while post-independence issues depict local themes.
- 3 Early issues may have 'Coroa' (crown) watermarks.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are São Tomé and Príncipe stamps?
São Tomé and Príncipe stamps are postage stamps issued by the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea. This includes stamps from its colonial period under Portuguese rule (issued as 'S. Thomé e Principe') and stamps issued since its independence in 1975.
Are São Tomé and Príncipe stamps valuable?
The value of São Tomé and Príncipe stamps varies widely. Common colonial issues and many post-independence stamps are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $0.10 to $5. However, early colonial issues, particularly those with rare cancellations, errors, or high denominations, can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of dollars. Thematic sets and complete collections can also hold moderate value.
How can I identify São Tomé and Príncipe stamps?
You can identify São Tomé and Príncipe stamps by looking for inscriptions such as 'S. THOME E PRINCIPE' (colonial era) or 'S. TOMÉ E PRÍNCIPE' (post-independence). Colonial stamps often feature Portuguese monarchs or colonial themes, while modern stamps depict local wildlife, culture, and national achievements. For precise identification and cataloging, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting specialized philatelic catalogs.
Which catalogs list São Tomé and Príncipe stamps?
São Tomé and Príncipe stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons catalogs. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values.
Not sure if your stamp is from São Tomé and Príncipe?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store