Ubangi Shari Stamps
Ubangi Shari, now the Central African Republic, was a territory in French Equatorial Africa located in Central Africa. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to French colonial administration, with stamps initially issued under the general issues for French Colonies before adopting local inscriptions.
- Issued stamps
- 1915–1931
- Region
- Africa, Central Africa
- Currency
- XOF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- French Colonies
About Ubangi Shari stamps
The primary language appearing on these issues was French, reflecting the official language of the governing power. The territory underwent significant political transition, eventually achieving independence in 1960, which marked the end of the Ubangi Shari postal entity and the beginning of issues for the Central African Republic.
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.
- OUBANGUI-CHARI
- OUBANGUI-CHARI-TCHAD
How to identify Ubangi Shari stamps
- Look for 'OUBANGUI-CHARI' or 'OUBANGUI-CHARI-TCHAD' inscriptions or overprints.
- Stamps often feature French colonial designs, sometimes with local scenes or portraits.
- Pay attention to the specific overprint details and dates, as these can significantly affect value.
Popular series
-
Navigation and Commerce
1915-1922
Overprinted stamps of French Colonies featuring allegorical figures of Navigation and Commerce, often with 'OUBANGUI-CHARI' or 'OUBANGUI-CHARI-TCHAD' overprints.
-
Colonial Exposition Paris
1931
Stamps issued for the Paris Colonial Exposition, sometimes overprinted for Ubangi Shari, depicting colonial themes and symbols.
-
Pictorial Series
1922-1931
Definitive issues depicting local scenes, wildlife, and portraits, often shared designs with other French Equatorial African territories but with specific Ubangi Shari 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–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Common stamps are readily available. Rarer issues include specific overprint varieties, errors, and high-value definitives, especially those in fine used or mint condition. Early issues with clear overprints tend to be more sought after.
Catalogs. Ubangi Shari 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 Ubangi Shari stamps
Ubangi Shari stamps are postal issues from the former French colonial territory of Ubangi Shari, which is now the Central African Republic. These stamps were used between 1915 and 1931, initially as overprints on general French Colonies issues, and later as specific definitive series.
The value of Ubangi Shari stamps varies. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, rare varieties, such as specific overprint errors, high-denomination definitives, or stamps in pristine condition, can fetch prices from €50 to over €500. Their value is influenced by rarity, condition, and philatelic demand.
To identify Ubangi Shari stamps, look for the inscriptions 'OUBANGUI-CHARI' or 'OUBANGUI-CHARI-TCHAD'. Many early issues are French Colonies stamps with these specific overprints. Later issues feature unique designs for the territory. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Ubangi Shari stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under French Colonies or Central African Republic pre-independence), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, descriptions, and estimated values for collectors.
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