Zanzibar Stamps
Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the coast of East Africa, historically significant as a major trading hub in the Indian Ocean. Its postal history is deeply intertwined with its status as a British Protectorate until 1963, which heavily influenced its early stamp issues.
- Issued stamps
- 1895–1967
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- Zanzibar Rupee
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About Zanzibar stamps
Stamps primarily feature English alongside Swahili, reflecting the linguistic environment of the region. Following the union with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964, Zanzibar's distinct postal administration largely ceased, though it occasionally issued commemorative stamps under the unified Tanzanian 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.
- ZANZIBAR
- BRITISH EAST AFRICA
- EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PROTECTORATES
How to identify Zanzibar stamps
- Look for 'ZANZIBAR' inscription, often in conjunction with 'BRITISH EAST AFRICA' or 'EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PROTECTORATES' on early issues.
- Many early stamps are overprinted on Indian stamps, so check for the underlying design.
- Later issues feature local imagery such as dhows, palms, and portraits of the Sultan.
Popular series
-
Queen Victoria Issues
1895-1902
Early issues featuring Queen Victoria, often overprinted on Indian stamps or with local designs.
-
King Edward VII Issues
1904-1908
Stamps depicting King Edward VII, often with local scenes or dhows.
-
King George V Issues
1913-1936
Definitive series featuring King George V, including the 'Dhow' series which is highly sought after.
-
Sultanate Issues
1964-1967
Commemorative issues released after the 1964 revolution, often featuring local themes and the Sultan.
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
- $100–$5,000+
Early issues, especially those with overprints or rare cancellations, can be quite valuable. The 'Dhow' series and certain high-value definitives are also prized. Later commemorative issues are generally more affordable.
Catalogs. Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar stamps
Zanzibar stamps are postage stamps issued by the British Protectorate of Zanzibar and later by the Sultanate of Zanzibar, from 1895 until its postal administration ceased following its union with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964, though some commemorative issues appeared until 1967. They reflect the island's rich history as a trading hub and British influence.
The value of Zanzibar stamps varies significantly. Early issues, particularly those with rare overprints, specific cancellations, or high denominations, can be quite valuable, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. More common stamps, especially later definitives and commemoratives, are generally affordable, typically in the $0.50 to $10 range. Condition plays a crucial role in determining value.
Zanzibar stamps can be identified by the prominent 'ZANZIBAR' inscription. Early issues often feature British monarchs or are overprinted on stamps of British India. Later issues depict local scenes like dhows, palm trees, or portraits of the Sultan. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Zanzibar stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Michel Ostafrika (East Africa) catalogue. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values.
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