2017-02-18 Sat

French Congo was a colonial territory in central Africa which today covers the regions of Republic of Congo, Gabon, and the Central African Republic. It was established as a protectorate in 1880 and was formally termed as a colony in 1882. The French concessionaires exploited ivory, timber, and rubber resources. The area was called Middle Congo in 1903 and French Equatorial Africa in 1910. The constituent nations got independence from France in 1960.

Bicolour pictorial stamps from these French colonies and French Congo are popular all over the world. A set of 15 stamps was issued from 1900 and 1904 featuring a leopard, a Bakalois woman, and a coconut grove. Collectors of French colonies, classic stamps, and some topical collectors love them. The 2017 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 has listed these stamps at a value of $222.75 in unused hinged condition. The complete set in very fine or better grades is very rare. The 1-franc, 2fr, and 5fr denominations well-centred stamps are rarer to find!