stampcollection.app
Menu
Download on the App Store

Tanganyika Stamps

Tanganyika, located in East Africa, was a significant territory administered primarily under British mandate and trusteeship following World War I. Its postal history is marked by issues under German East Africa preceding the war, followed by British colonial administration, often sharing franking privileges with the East African Postal Union.

Identify a stamp in the app Search all issuers
Issued stamps
1916–1962
Region
Africa, East Africa
Currency
GBP
Languages
English, Swahili
Issuer type
Colonial postal administration
Part of
United Kingdom

About Tanganyika stamps

Stamps from this period predominantly feature English, reflecting the official language of governance, until the territory united with Zanzibar to form Tanzania in 1964. This transition marked the end of Tanganyika's distinct postal entity, integrating its services into the new national 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.

  • TANGANYIKA

How to identify Tanganyika stamps

  1. Look for the country name 'TANGANYIKA' prominently displayed on the stamp.
  2. Many early issues are overprints on stamps of East Africa and Uganda Protectorates or Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika.
  3. Examine the monarch's portrait (George V, George VI, Elizabeth II) to help date the stamp.
  4. Pay attention to watermarks and perforations, which can distinguish different printings and issues.

Popular series

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–$500+

Common Tanganyika stamps, especially lower denominations in used condition, are generally inexpensive. Higher denominations, mint condition sets, and specific varieties or errors can fetch significantly higher prices. Early issues and those with specific overprints are often more sought after.

Catalogs. Tanganyika 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.

Related issuers

Questions about Tanganyika stamps

Tanganyika stamps are postage stamps issued by the British-administered territory of Tanganyika in East Africa from 1916 until its independence and union with Zanzibar in 1962. They reflect the colonial period, often featuring British monarchs and local imagery.

The value of Tanganyika stamps varies widely. Common, used stamps are generally inexpensive, often ranging from $0.50 to $10. However, complete sets in mint condition, higher denominations, early issues, and stamps with specific overprints or errors can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of dollars or more.

You can identify Tanganyika stamps by looking for the explicit 'TANGANYIKA' inscription. Many early issues are overprints on stamps of other East African territories. Checking the monarch's portrait (King George V, King George VI, or Queen Elizabeth II) helps in dating. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.

Tanganyika stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (USA), Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (UK). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.

Not sure where
it's from?

Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.

Download on the App Store Search all issuers