Upper Volta Stamps
Upper Volta, now known as Burkina Faso, was a landlocked nation situated in West Africa, formerly part of French West Africa. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to France, with stamps initially issued under French colonial administration and later as an independent republic following its independence in 1960.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1984
- Region
- Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- XOF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- French West Africa
About Upper Volta stamps
The primary language appearing on its postal issues was French, reflecting its colonial heritage. The country underwent significant political transitions, including a name change in 1984, which marked a distinct break in its philatelic chronology.
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.
- HAUTE-VOLTA
- REPUBLIQUE DE HAUTE-VOLTA
How to identify Upper Volta stamps
- Look for the country name 'HAUTE-VOLTA' or 'REPUBLIQUE DE HAUTE-VOLTA' in French.
- Early issues may be overprints on French West Africa stamps.
- Stamps often feature imagery related to West African culture, wildlife, or French colonial themes.
Popular series
-
Colonial Issues (French West Africa)
1920-1959
Stamps issued under French colonial administration, often overprinted or featuring designs common to other French West African territories.
-
Independence Issues
1960-1965
The first stamps issued by the newly independent Republic of Upper Volta, often depicting national symbols, leaders, or local flora and fauna.
-
Definitive Series
1960s-1980s
Long-running series featuring local scenes, industries, and cultural elements, often with multiple printings and color variations.
-
Thematic Issues
1960s-1984
A wide variety of thematic stamps covering topics like sports, art, international organizations, and wildlife, popular with thematic collectors.
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–€2
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Common stamps from Upper Volta are generally inexpensive, especially later definitive issues. Earlier colonial issues, particularly those with specific overprints or errors, and certain commemorative sets in fine condition can command higher prices. Mint never hinged (MNH) condition significantly increases value.
Catalogs. Upper Volta 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 Volta stamps
Upper Volta stamps are postage stamps issued by the former French colony and later independent republic of Upper Volta, located in West Africa. The country was renamed Burkina Faso in 1984, marking the end of its philatelic era under the name Upper Volta.
The value of Upper Volta stamps varies. Many common issues, especially later definitives, are inexpensive, ranging from €0.10 to €2. However, earlier colonial issues, stamps with specific overprints, errors, or certain commemorative sets in pristine condition can be quite valuable, potentially reaching €50 to €500 or more.
You can identify Upper Volta stamps by looking for the country name 'HAUTE-VOLTA' or 'REPUBLIQUE DE HAUTE-VOLTA' printed on them, typically in French. Early issues might be overprints on stamps of French West Africa. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Upper Volta stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel catalog (especially Michel Afrika), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (for earlier issues) or their specialized Africa volumes.
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