Zambezia Stamps
Zambezia is a historical region situated in Southern Africa, primarily associated with the territory that now constitutes modern Mozambique. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to Portuguese colonial administration, as it formed a significant part of Portuguese East Africa.
- Issued stamps
- 1893–1917
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- PTE
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Zambezia stamps
Stamps issued for this area would typically bear Portuguese inscriptions and currency, reflecting the colonial power's control over communications. The region's administrative status and postal arrangements were subject to the broader political evolution of Mozambique leading up to its independence.
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.
- ZAMBEZIA
How to identify Zambezia stamps
- Look for the overprint 'ZAMBEZIA' (often in capital letters) on stamps of Portugal.
- Examine the base stamp design, which will typically be Portuguese colonial issues of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Check for specific overprint types (e.g., Crown, Star, Republica) and their placement/orientation.
Popular series
-
Crown and Star Issue
1893-1895
Overprinted stamps of Portugal with 'ZAMBEZIA' and a crown or star emblem.
-
Vasco da Gama Issue
1898
Commemorative issue celebrating the 400th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India, overprinted for Zambezia.
-
King Carlos I Issue
1902-1906
Definitive stamps featuring King Carlos I, overprinted 'ZAMBEZIA'.
-
Republica Issue
1911-1917
Stamps of Portugal overprinted 'REPUBLICA' and 'ZAMBEZIA' after the establishment of the Portuguese Republic.
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–€20
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€1,000+
Value depends heavily on condition, specific overprint varieties, and rarity of the base stamp. Early overprints and high values tend to be more sought after. Mint condition stamps are generally more valuable than used.
Catalogs. Zambezia 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 Zambezia stamps
Zambezia stamps are postage stamps issued for the historical region of Zambezia, a part of Portuguese East Africa (modern-day Mozambique), between 1893 and 1917. They are typically stamps of Portugal or Portuguese colonial issues overprinted with 'ZAMBEZIA'.
The value of Zambezia stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare varieties, specific overprints, or high-value denominations in fine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Factors like condition, rarity of the overprint, and the base stamp's original value significantly influence their worth.
To identify Zambezia stamps, look for the distinct 'ZAMBEZIA' overprint on stamps that are clearly Portuguese in origin. Pay attention to the design of the underlying stamp, the type of overprint (e.g., 'Crown', 'Star', 'REPUBLICA'), and the year of issue. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Zambezia stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, historical context, and estimated values for the various issues.
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