Upper Senegal and Niger Stamps
Upper Senegal and Niger was a vast French colonial territory in West Africa, encompassing much of modern-day Mali and Niger. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the French colonial administration, with stamps issued under French authority, often featuring the definitive series of the French Republic.
- Issued stamps
- 1906–1916
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- XOF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
The primary language appearing on these issues was French, reflecting the official language of the administration. This territory existed as a distinct entity until its reorganization and eventual dissolution into separate colonies, which subsequently led to their independence in the early 1960s.
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.
- HAUT SÉNÉGAL ET NIGER
How to identify them
- Look for the country name 'HAUT SÉNÉGAL ET NIGER' or 'Haut-Sénégal et Niger' as an overprint on French colonial definitive stamps.
- Examine the base stamp design, which will typically be French colonial types like 'Navigation and Commerce', 'Mouchon', or 'Sower'.
- Verify the watermark (often 'R.F.' for République Française) and perforation details.
Popular series
-
Navigation and Commerce
1906-1913
Overprinted issues of the French 'Navigation and Commerce' definitive series, common to many French colonies, featuring allegorical figures.
-
Mouchon Type
1906-1913
Overprinted issues of the French 'Mouchon' definitive series, depicting a female allegory of France, often with 'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANÇAISE' overprints.
-
Sower Type
1906-1913
Overprinted issues of the French 'Sower' definitive series, a classic design showing a woman sowing seeds, often with 'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANÇAISE' overprints.
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
- €1–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Common issues, especially lower denominations, are readily available and inexpensive. Higher values, specific overprint varieties, and stamps in fine unused condition can command significantly higher prices. Errors or scarce postmarks are also valuable.
Catalogs. Upper Senegal and Niger 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 Upper Senegal and Niger stamps
Upper Senegal and Niger stamps are postage stamps issued for the French colonial territory of Upper Senegal and Niger, which existed from 1904 to 1920. These stamps were primarily French colonial definitive issues overprinted with the territory's name, reflecting its status as a French possession in West Africa.
The value of Upper Senegal and Niger stamps varies. Common lower denominations are generally inexpensive, ranging from €1 to €10. However, higher denominations, specific overprint varieties, errors, and stamps in pristine condition or with rare postmarks can be quite valuable, potentially fetching hundreds of euros.
To identify Upper Senegal and Niger stamps, look for the overprint 'HAUT SÉNÉGAL ET NIGER' or 'Haut-Sénégal et Niger' on stamps that typically feature classic French colonial designs such as the 'Navigation and Commerce' or 'Sower' types. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Upper Senegal and Niger stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (often under French Colonies or French West Africa), the Michel catalog (under Französische Kolonien or Französisch-Westafrika), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue.
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