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.
- Issued stamps
- 1869–present
- Region
- Africa, Western Africa
- Currency
- STD
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
History and background
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.
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.
- S. THOME E PRINCIPE
- S. TOMÉ E PRÍNCIPE
How to identify them
- Look for 'S. THOME E PRINCIPE' or 'S. TOMÉ E PRÍNCIPE' inscriptions.
- Colonial stamps often feature Portuguese monarchs or symbols, while post-independence issues depict local themes.
- Early issues may have 'Coroa' (crown) watermarks.
Popular 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.
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
- $0.10–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
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.
Catalogs. São Tomé and Príncipe 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 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.
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.
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. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
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.
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