Batum - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile


Batum, a city in the Black Sea coast is the capital of Adzhar, a territory which became an autonomous republic of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1921. Batum and surrounding areas came under the administration of British forces between 12/1918 and 07/1920 following the Treaty of Versailles. Prior to World War I, the area was under Russian rule. Currently, Batum (Batumi) is the main port of Georgia and is considered Georgia’s second capital. It is located around 14 miles from the Turkish border and the setting is unbeatable with Black Sea on one side and mountains on the other. Tourism forms one of the main activities in the area – much of it is around the wonderful beaches although there are Roman ruins and castles one can explore.

Philatelic Profile:

Prior to 1918, Russian stamps were used in the area. The British occupation following WWI saw the British issuing Batum stamps, as the existing Russian stock started to ran out. The first stamps were a set of six imperforate stamps in single colors issued in 1919. The set (Scott #1 to #6) catalogs for around $50 Mint and around double that for Used. The design showed an aloe tree.

The period till 1920 saw the British reissuing the first set with the “British Occupation” overprints. Chief among them was a set of eight stamps (Scott #13 to #20) issued in 1919. The set catalogs for around $60 Mint and around $75 Used. There is an error variety of the 5r brown (Scott #19a - “CCUPATION” overprint) that is very rare and catalogs in the $500 range for Mint or Used.

The remainders from the Russian stock were also used with surcharge and “BRITISH OCCUPATION” overprints. These (Scott #7 to #12, #21 to#26, etc) are generally not that common and fetch a premium. Error varieties also exist and they catalog well into the 100s.

Forgeries of many of these issues are known to exist and so it is critical that any acquisition of these stamps be sourced from reputable dealers.


Last Updated: 12/2015.

Tristan da Cunha - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

Tristan da Cunha, a remote group of Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean lying 1,750 miles West of South Africa and 2,088 miles East of South America consisting of the main island, and the uninhabited islands of Nightingale Islands, Inaccessible Island, and Gough Island has a total land area of 78 square miles and a population of around 260. Tristan da Cunha, nicknamed as the ‘most remote inhabited location on Earth’ is known for its wildlife. Almost 40% of the country is a nature reserve and its Gaugh Island is a World Heritage Site. Its feathered fauna resembles those found in NewZealand. Around 90 families account for its population. Farming is the major activity. The sectors of its economy are lobster (crayfish) canning and sale of postage stamps.

Travel Resources: 

Tourism exists but advance planning is required to make visiting Tristan a reality. The Tristan da Cunha website is one source and another would be the cruise ships to Antarctica.


ResourceISBN or ASINBest PriceDescription
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha Bradt Travel Guide978-1841621982$25Tristan da Cunha is covered in about 30 pages of this 216 page book.
Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter PlugB001MGUB9Q$4

Philatelic Profile:

The first stamps of Tristan da Cunha were a set of twelve stamps released on January 1, 1952 which were ‘Tristan da Cunha’ overprints on Stamps of Saint Helena during the period from 1938 to 1949. The set (Scott #1 to #12) catalogs for around $115 MNH and around $100 for used. This issue was followed by the Coronation Common Design Type on June 2, 1953 and that stamp is inexpensive cataloging for less than a dollar. The first original issues of Tristan da Cunha were a set of fourteen stamps released between 1954 and 1958 showing local scenes. The set (Scott #14 to #27) catalogs for around $115 MNH and around $50 used. The designs show Tristan crayfish, carting flax, rockhopper penguin, factory, mollymauk, Island boat, vew of Tristan, potato patches, Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island, Saint Mary’s Church, elephant seal, flightless rail, and Island Spinning Wheel. Couple of other sets in the Fish theme followed in 1960 and 1961 and both those sets (Scott #28 to #41 and #42 to #54) are valued high cataloging in the $70 range. Tristan da Cunha is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha.

Other issues of Tristan da Cunha enjoying good philatelic interest include:
  1. A set of four stamps issued on May 1, 1974 showing Rockhopper Penguins. The set (Scott #191 to #194) catalogs for around $15 MNH and around $10 used. The designs show rockhopper penguin, colony, penguins fishing, and penguin and fledgling.
  2. A set of twelve stamps released on February 3, 1994 showing Ships. The set (Scott #535 to #546) catalogs for around $30 MNH or used. The designs show Duchess of Atholl (1929), Empress of Australia (1935), Anatolia (1937), Viceroy of India (1939), Rangitata (1943), Caronia (1950), Rotterdam (1960), Leonardo da Vinci (1972), Vistafjord (1974), World Discoverer (1984), Astor (1984), and RMS Saint Helena (1992). Tristan da Cunha has issued a number of sets in the Ships theme over the years and all of them enjoy premium valuation. They have also issued unique First Day Covers that feature signatures from the head of the major families in the island. Valuations are unpredictable for such issues however.
Numismatic Profile:

The first coin of Tristan da Cunha was a St. Helena Dependency Standard Coinage (25 Pence = 1 Crown, 4 Crowns = 1 Pound) 25 Pence Copper-Nickel coin issued in 1977 showing QE bust in Obverse and Boat and Rock in Reverse. The issue has mintage of 50K and catalogs for around $5 in UNC. The first gold coin was a 1.4001 troy ounce 50 Pence Gold Proof with very low mintage (75) issued in 1987 to mark the 40th wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. The issue showed Crowned Head in Obverse and Crowned Initials with a flower design in Reverse. The issue has very low mintage (75) and catalogs at a slight premium over bullion value. Tristan da Cunha has issued a number of commemorative coins over the years for the numismatic market.

Collectible Memorabilia:

Calendars, clothing and wooden handicrafts are the keepsakes from Tristan.


ResourcePrice RangeDescription
Miscellaneous Collectibles$2 and upFlags, Key Chains, Postcards, etc start around $2.

Last Updated: 12/2015.

Trinidad and Tobago - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

Trinidad and Tobago, an Island nation in the Southern Caribbean located just off the coast of Northeastern Venezuela and South of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles has a total land area of 1,981 square miles and a population of over 1.3 million. Mountains and plains cover the tropical island of Trinidad and Tobago. Though it is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from South America, it is part of the Caribbean Islands. It is an oil-rich country whose high-income economy is predominantly based on petroleum and petrochemicals industry. As the oil boom is predicted to end by 2018, the country is on a quest to diversify its economy. Ity is now a major offshore financial center. Tourism, agriculture and public service are showing rapid progress too. 

Travel Resources: 

December to April is its tourist season. It receives more European visitors than from other continents. The major attractions are Fort George and Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Charlotteville in Tobago, Bacolet Beach, and Caroni Swamp. Visitors tend to time their visit around Trinidad's Carnival, held before Ash Wednesday. It is on par with that of Brazil’s carnival. Its mouth-watering cuisine is another draw and reflects well its ethnic diversity – Indian, African, European, Amerindian and Chinese. Popular dishes are seafood of all kinds, roti, curry dishes, yummy festival dishes and various desserts.


ResourceISBN or ASINBest PriceDescription
The Rough Guide to Trinidad and Tobago978-1848365148$15A traveler’s introduction covering over 50 pages followed by region-wise coverage on Port of Spain and the Western tip, The North, Central Trinidad and the East Coast, San Fernando and the South, and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago Travel Map by ITM Canada978-1553417248$131:150,000 Scale.
Trinidad and Tobago Grounded Adapter Plug Kit – GUA and GUDB0016ZS3FW$14

Philatelic Profile:

The first stamps of Trinidad and Tobago were a set of six stamps released in 1913 depicting Britannia allegory. The set (Scott #1 to #7) is remarkably inexpensive and catalogs for around $20 mint and around $15 used. A variety of the same set was released in 1914 and that set included two designs of the Britannia allegory. The high-value set (Scott #8 to #11) is rare and valuable and catalogs for around $180 mint and around $290 used. Another variety in the two designs were released between 1921 and 1922 and that set (Scott #12 to #20) is also highly valued at around $120 mint and around double that for used. Issues portraying King George V and the Britannia allegory formed the primary stamp issues of Trinidad and Tobago during the period till 1935. Trinidad and Tobago was a Spanish colony until it was ceded to Britain in 1802.

Trinidad and Tobago released a set of nine stamps between 1935 and 1937 showing local scenes. The set (Scott #34 to #42) catalogs for around $40 mint and around $45 used. The designs show Agricultural College, Mount Irvine Bay in Tobago, Discovery of Lake Asphalt, Queen’s Park of Savannah, Town Hall of San Fernando, Government House, Memorial Park, and Blue Basin.

Other issues of Trinidad and Tobago enjoying good philatelic interest include:
  1. A set of five stamps released on August 31, 1962 to mark Trinidad and Tobago’s independence. The set (Scott #105 to #109) catalogs for around $6 MNH and around half that for used. The designs show Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) and new Terminal Building at Piarco Airport, QEII and Hilton Hotel, map and greater bird of paradise, and map and scarlet ibis. Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Great Britain on that day. The country became a republic within the Commonwealth in 1976.
  2. A set of three stamps released on October 18, 1982 to mark the 25th anniversary of Tourism Board. The set (Scott #364 to #366) catalogs for around $4 MNH or used. The designs show Charlotteville, boating, and Fort George. Tourism is an important sector of Tobago but overall it is not as important a sector when comparing with other countries in the Caribbean. Oil and gas on the other hand accounts for 40% of GDP and 80% of exports.
  3. A set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet of two released on December 7, 1991 in the ‘Trinidad and Tobago in World War II’ theme. The set (Scott #534 to #537) catalogs for around $25 MNH or used. The designs show firing practice by Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, Fairey Barracuda Surprises U-boat, Avro Lancaster Returns from Bombing Raid, River Class Frigate on Convoy Duty, Supermarine Spitfire, and Vickers Wellington.
  4. A set of ten stamps released on February 6, 2001 showing Endangered Fauna. The set (Scott #612 to #621) catalogs for around $20 MNH or used. The designs show pacca, prehensile-tailed porcupine, iguana, leatherback turtle, golden tegu, red howler monkey, weeping capuchin monkey, river otter, ocelot, and Trinidad piping guan.
Numismatic Profile:

The first coins of Trinidad and Tobago were Colonial Standard Coinage (100 Cents = 1 Dollar) Bronze Cents issued in 1966 showing Value in Obverse and National Arms in Reverse. The issues had very high mintage and generally catalogs in the dollar range for BU. The first gold coin was a 0.0988 troy ounce 100 Dollars Gold Coin released in 1976 showing National Arms in Obverse and Flying birds and value in Reverse. The issue has low mintage but still catalogs at a very slight premium over bullion value. Trinidad and Tobago has issued a number of commemorative coins and proofs over the years primarily for the numismatic market.

Numismatic items of Trinidad and Tobago include:


ItemPrice RangeDescription
Coins$1 and upCommon UNC Cents starts around $1. Commemorative UNCs from the 1970s, UNC sets, etc start around $10. Large Commemorative Proofs from the 1970s, Silver Proofs from the 1970s, etc start around $25. Low Mintage Silver Proof Sets go into the 100s.
Paper Money$2 and upCommon UNC Dollar Banknotes starts around $2. Consecutive Serial Number UNCs with 5-pieces or more starts around $10. Dollar Banknotes from the 1930s and 1940s in VF+ starts around $30. UNC Bundles, Rare Dates, etc start around $50 and go into the 100s.


Collectible Memorabilia:

Shell jewelry, sculptures, carvings, and calabash art are popular keepsakes from Trinidad and Tobago.


ResourcePrice RangeDescription
Miscellaneous Collectibles$2 and upPins, Patches, Collector Spoons, etc start around $2. Vintage Travel Ads, Posters, and Brochures start around $10. Handmade Painted Pottery Vases start around $50.

Last Updated: 12/2015.

Tonga - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

Tonga, an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean comprising 176 islands spread over 270,000 square miles of ocean has a total land area of 289 square miles and a population of around 104,000. Its economy is dependent on a non-monetary section, a small manufacturing sector, and on remittances from its citizens living abroad. The development plan to improve its economic condition include privatizing the public sector, improving agriculture, developing the tourism industry, and exploring options to diversify the economy into fisheries and timber. Tonga is committed to decreasing dependency on fossil fuels by pursuing renewable energy options.

Travel Resources: 

May to October is the best time to visit Tonga. The major attractions are the Waterways of Vava’u, Blowholes of Tongatapu, Haapai, Cliffs of Eua Island, and the Nukualofa Market. Major activities include snorkeling, whale watching, game fishing, surfing, and hiking. Tonga cuisine is meat and seafood based and sauced in coconut milk. Other items are taro, cassava, yams and banana. Traditional food is cooked in an underground oven called umu.


ResourceISBN or ASINBest PriceDescription
Lonely Planet Samoa and Tonga978-1741048186$12Traveler’s introduction of about 20 pages followed by sections on Samoa and Tonga. Tonga is covered in about 80 pages and includes chapters on Tongatapu, Ha’Apai Group, Vava’u Group, and The Niuas.
Tonga Islands Travel Reference Map by ITM Canada978-1553414346$12Average Scale is 1:25,000. Includes inset maps of Neiafu and Nuku’Alofa.
Tonga Grounded Adapter Plug Kit – GUA and GUCB0016ZM6OG$14

Philatelic Profile:

The first stamps of Tonga were a set of five stamps released between 1886 and 1892 showing a head portrait of King George I. The set (Scott #1 to #5) catalogs for around $180 mint and around $50 for used. A few varieties of the King George I design, a Coat of Arms design, a King George II design, and several surcharge overprints formed the primary stamp issues of Tonga till 1897. Tonga released a set of fifteen stamps showing local scenes between 1897 and 1934. The set (Scott #38 to #52) catalogs for around $350 mint and around $300 used. The designs show Coat of Arms, ovava tree, King George II, prehistoric trilithon at Tongatabu, breadfruit, coral formations, view of Haabai, red-breasted musk parrot, and view of Vavau. The ovava tree issue from the set (Scott #40) was reissued in 1899 with the ‘T L’ and ‘1 June, 1899’ overprint. The stamp (Scott #53) catalogs for around $35 mint and around double that for used. The stamp was issued to mark the marriage of King George II to Lavinia. There is an error variety with the overprint reading 1889 instead of 1899 and that one catalogs for around $225 mint and around $400 used. Tonga became a British-protected state under a Treaty of Friendship on May 18, 1900. It was the only island nation in the region to have avoided formal colonization.

Tonga issued a set of nine stamps between 1920 and 1935 showing a portrait of Queen Salote. The set (Scott #54 to #62) catalogs for around $40 mint and around double that for used. A number of issues portraying Queen Salote in different designs along with several common design types formed the primary stamp issues of Tonga during the period till 1951. The Treaty of Friendship and Tonga’s protectorate status ended in 1970 through steps initiated by Queen Salote before her death in 1965.

Other issues of Tonga enjoying good philatelic interest include:
  1. A set of fourteen stamps released on July 1, 1953 showing local scenes. The set (Scott #100 to #113) catalogs for around $45 MNH and around $25 used. The designs show Royal Palace at Nukualofa, fisherman, canoe and schooners, Swallows’ Cave at Vavau, Map of Tongatabu, Vavau Harbor, Post Office at Nukualofa, Fuaamotu Airport, Wharf at Nukualofa, Beach at Lifuka at Haapai, Mutiny on the Bounty, Queen Salote, and Arms of Tonga, and Map of Tonga Islands. Starting in the early 60s, Tonga issued a number of stamps that look like labels in odd shapes. Many of the sets catalog in the five-to-ten dollar range. The practice continued until the 80s.
  2. A set of four stamps released on March 12, 1984 showing Navigators and Explorers of the Pacific and their Ships. The set (Scott #559 to #562) catalogs for around $20 MNH or used. The designs show Abel Tasman the Discoverer of Tonga and his Zeehan, Samuel Wallis and Dolphin, William Bligh and Bounty, and James Cook and Resolution.
  3. A set of four stamps released on October 25, 1990 to mark the 40th anniversary of the UN Development Program. The set (Scott #760 to #763) catalogs for around $25 MNH or used. The designs show pictures representing tourism, agriculture and fisheries, education, and Healthcare inside ‘UNDP’ inscription which forms the main design. Tonga’s economy consists mainly of handicrafts, subsistence agriculture, tourism, sale of postage stamps, and heavy dependence on remittances from a majority of the population that lives abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
  4. A set of five stamps released on May 19, 1999 showing Scenic Views of Vava’u. The set (Scott #1018 to #1022) catalogs for around $8 MNH and a little less for used. The designs show Neiafu, boats on water, Port of Refuge, aerial view of Port of Refuge, sunset at Neiafu, and Mounu Island. Vava’u is a popular spot for whale watching, game fishing, and surfing making it a player in the South Pacific tourism market.
Numismatic Profile:

The first coin of Tonga was a Kingdom Standard Coinage (16 Pounds = 1 Koula) one-fourth Koula 0.2395 troy ounce gold coin issued in 1962 showing a head portrait of Queen Salote in Obverse and Crowned Arms in Reverse. A Platinum version of the same coin along with other denominations were also issued the same year. Mintage for these issues are very low (less than 1000) and they trade at a premium over bullion value. Decimal Coinage (100 Senti = 1 Pa’anga, 100 Pa’anga = 1 Hau) Bronze Senitis debut in 1967. The first issues had mintage of 500K and catalogs in the dollar range for UNC. Distinct rectangular Copper-Nickel FAO issues debut in 1977 and they catalog in the $10 range for BU. The first gold coin was a 0.7666 troy ounce Pa’anga gold proof in the Christmas theme with seven sides released in 1982. The issue had very low mintage (250) but remarkably catalogs only at a very slight premium over bullion value.

Numismatic items of Tonga include:


ItemPrice RangeDescription
Coins$1 and upCommon UNC Senitis starts around $1. Proof Year Sets from the 1960s onward, FAO Sets in UNC, Rectangles and seven-sided coins in VF+, etc start around $10. Commemorative Silver Proofs from the 1980s and 1990s, Coronation Mint Box Proof Set of 1967, etc start around $50. Silver Rectange Proofs, Gold Proofs, etc go well into the 100s.
Paper Money$3 and upCommon UNC Pa’angas starts around $3. UNC Year Sets, Consecutive Serial Numbers with 5-pieces or more in UNC, etc start around $10. Rare Complete Specimen Sets from the 1970s, Early Banknotes from the 1930s in VF+, etc start around $50 and go well into the 100s.


Collectible Memorabilia:

Tikis, masks, baskets, mats, tapa, etc are souvenirs from Tonga.


ResourcePrice RangeDescription
Miscellaneous Collectibles$2 and upPatches, Collector Spoons, Patches, Magnets etc start around $2. Wood Carved Tray Abalones, Tapa Cloth Paintings, etc start around $30.

Last Updated: 12/2015.

Tokelau - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

Tokelau, a set of three tropical coral atolls located in the South Pacific ocean, North of the Samoan Islands and Northwest of the Cook Islands has a total land area of 5 square miles and a population of around 1400.

Travel Resources:


ResourceISBN or ASINBest PriceDescription
Lonely Planet South Pacific978-1864503029$20Tokelau is covered in about 8 pages of this 776 page book.
Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter PlugB001MGUB9Q$4

Philatelic Profile:

The first stamps of Tokelau were a set of three stamps released on June 22, 1948 showing local scenes. The set (Scott #1 to #3) catalogs for around a dollar MNH or used. The designs show map and scene on Atafu, Nukunono dwelling and map, and Fakaofo Shore Line and map. The first set was following by a coronation issue that shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (QEII). That stamp (Scott #4) along with a couple of surcharge overprints formed the primary stamp issues of Tokelau during the period till 1969. The sets in the interim all catalog in the $5 range for MNH or used. Tokelau came under New Zealand Administration in 1926. On November 11, 2004, Tokelau and New Zealand took steps to change Tokelau’s status to a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Two referendums held after that date were both unsuccessful in approving self-government. 

Other issues of Tokelau enjoying good philatelic interest include:
  1. A set of four stamps released on August 8, 1969 in the History of Tokelau theme. The set (Scott #16 to #19) catalogs for around $5 MNH or used. The designs show allegories representing Tokelau as a British Protectorate (1877), as part of Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony (1916), transfer of administration to New Zealand (1925), and as part of New Zealand Territory (1948).
  2. A set of ten stamps released on December 5, 1984 showing Local Fish. The set (Scott #104 to #113) catalogs for around $8 MNH or used. The designs show manini, hahave, uloulo, ume lhu, lifilafi, fagamea, kakahi, palu po, mokoha, and hakula.
  3. A set of eight stamps released in 1995 showing Handicrafts. The set (Scott #195 to #202) catalogs for around $15 MNH or used. The designs show outrigger canoe, plaited fan, plaited baskets, fishing box, water bottle, fishing hook, coconut gourds, and shell necklace. Tokelau has one of the smallest economies in the world. Main industries are handicrafts, copra, stamps, coins, and fishing. Overseas Tokelauans mainly from New Zealand sending remittances also supports the economy.
  4. A set of four stamps released on December 17, 2001 showing Island Scenery. The set (Scott #298 to #301) catalogs for around $8 MNH or used. The designs show sky over Atafu, waters of Fakaofo, sunrise over Nukunonu Village, and ocean at Nukunonu.
Numismatic Profile:

The first coin of Tokelau was a New Zealand Territory Standard Coinage Copper-Nickel Tala issued in 1978 showing QE bust in Obverse. The issue had a mintage of 10K and catalogs for around $10 in UNC. Since then, Tokelau has released a number of commemorative silver proofs over the years, primarily aimed at the numismatic market. They generally trade at a slight premium over bullion value.

Last Updated: 12/2015.

Togo - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

Togo, a country in Western Africa bordered by Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, and the Gulf of Guinea has a total land area of 21,925 square miles and a population of over 6.6 million. Togo is a small developing country of West Africa characterized by a gently rolling savanna, hills, woodland plateau, and coastal plains with lagoons and marshes. The main sectors of its economy are agriculture, commerce and industry. Togo has reasonable limestone and marble deposits. The economy slipped following the political instability in the nineties. It is however open to tourism. Tourists generally find Togo much more affordable than the some other African countries. But  traveling in Togo is more for experienced hardy travelers.


Travel Resources: 



ResourceISBN or ASINBest PriceDescription
Lonely Planet West Africa978-1741048216$23Togo is covered in about 30 pages in this 900-page book.
Benin and Togo Travel Map978-1553414377$131:580,000 Scale.
Togo Grounded Adapter Plug – GUBB001FD5E6Q$8

Philatelic Profile:

The first stamps of Togo were a set of six stamps issued in 1897 which were ‘Togo’ overprints on stamps of Germany. The set (Scott #1 to #6) catalogs for around $70 mint and around $120 used. Togo became a German Protectorate in 1884 and that status continued until World War I when it was occupied by Great Britain and France. After World War I, Togo came under France. The first set was followed by a set of thirteen stamps released in 1900 showing Kaiser’s Yacht in two different designs. The set (Scott #7 to #19) is sought after and catalogs for around $140 mint and around $715 used. Togo issued a set of thirteen stamps (Scott #33 to #45) on October 1, 1914 which were ‘Togo Anglo French Occupation’ overprints on the Kaiser’s Yacht issue. A couple of varieties of the same set (Scott #46 to #60 and #61 to #65) were also released the same year and in 1915. These sets are the most expensive stamps of Togo cataloging updwards of $30K. A couple of high values in the second set catalog individually in the $45K range as well. Similar overprints on key types of Gold Coast along with several surcharges on the first issues and a set which were overprints on Stamps of Dahomey formed the primary stamp issues of Togo during the period till 1924. The overprints are all pretty valuable although the French Mandate (Dahomey overprints) sets fetch into the 100s while the other overprints fetch well into the thousands.

The first original issues of Togo were a long set of thirty seven stamps released between 1924 and 1938 showing local scenes. The set (Scott #216 to #252) catalogs for around $35 mint and around $30 used. The designs show coconut grove, cacao trees, and oil palms in different colors and denominations.

Other issues of Togo enjoying good philatelic interest include:
  1. A long set of eighteen stamps released on October 6, 1947 showing local scenes. The set (Scott #309 to #326) catalogs for around $30 MNH and around $10 used. The designs show extracting oil palm, hunter, cotton spinners, village of Atakpame, red-fronted gazelles, and Houses of the Cabrais. Togo became a republic in 1957 and Togo released a stamp showing a woman holding flag on June 8, 1957 to mark the event. The stamp is inexpensive and catalogs for less than a dollar MNH and around 20c for used. It gained independence from France on April 27, 1960.
  2. A set of six stamps released in January of 1968 in the Industrialization of Togo theme. The set (Scott #631 to #636) catalogs for around $4 MNH or used. The designs show The Gleaners by Francois Millet and Phosphate Works in Benin, and The Weaver at the Loom by Vincent Van Gogh and Textile Plant in Dadia. In 1967, Gnassingbe Eyadema led a military coup and became President. He went on to become the longest serving president of modern Africa serving till his death in 2005 – a span of 38 years. His son Faure Gnassingbe was elected president in 2005.
  3. A set of two stamps released on January 24, 1976 to mark the airplane crash of January 24, 1974. The set (Scott #922 to #923) catalogs for around $25 MNH and less than a dollar for used. The designs show Crashed Plane and President Eyadema, and Airplane Crash at Sara-Kawa. President Eyadema, the sole survivor, escaped uninjured from the crash and claimed the French had sabotaged the plane. His cult of personality increased after this incident as he attributed his survival to mystical powers and declared January 24 to the Economic Liberation Day.
  4. A long set of thirty four stamps and souvenir sheets issued on July 5, 1984 to mark the centenary of German-Togolese Friendship. The set (Scott #1194 to #1227) catalogs for around $30 MNH and around $8 for used. The designs show Degbenou Catholic Mission, Kara Bridge, Treaty Site at Baguida, Degbenou Students, Sansane Administrative Post, Adjido Official School, Skode Cotton Market, William Fountain at Atakpame, Lome Main Street, Police, Lome Railroad Construction, Governor’s Palace at Lome, Commerce Street at Lome, Lome Wharf, Nachtigal, Wilhelm II, O.F. de Bismark, J. de Puttkamer, A. Koehler, W. Horn, J.G. de Zech, E. Bruckner, A.F. de Mecklenburg, H.G. de Doering, Land Development, Postal Courier, Treaty Signers, German and Togolese Children and Flags, Aneho Line Locomotive, Mallet Locomotive, German Ship ‘Mowe’, La Sophie, and Presidents Eyadema and Helmut Kohl.
  5. A set of four stamps released on July 15, 1996 showing Traditional Musical Instruments. The set (Scott #1732 to #1735) catalogs for around $5 MNH and around half that for used. The designs show gongs, cymbals, string instrument, and drums. A sister set was also released on June 30, 1996 showing Traditional Dances. That set (Scott #1736 to #1740) catalogs for around $4 MNH and around half that for Used.
  6. A set of six stamps, three sheets of six, and a souvenir sheet released on December 17, 2001 showing African Wildlife. The set (Scott #1978 to #1983, #1984a-f to #1986a-f, and #1987 to #1989) catalogs for around $35 MNH or used. The designs show forest giraffe, secretary bird, ring-tailed lemur, Western gorilla, small spotted genet, Fennec fox, Hamadryas baboon, African wildcat, meerkat, aardvark, blue wildebeest, greater kudu, leopard, African bush elephant, owl-faced monkey, saddle-billed stork, hippopotamus, sable antelope, Grants zebra, white rhinoceros, cheetah, dama gazelle, spotted hyena, African wild dog, Nile crocodile, lion, and reticulated giraffe.
Numismatic Profile:

The first coins of Togo were French Colonial UN Trusteeship Standard Coinage (100 Centimes = 1 Franc) Aluminum-Bronze Centimes issued in 1924. They showed Laureate Head in Obverse and Value within Sprigs in Reverse. The issues had mintage into the millions but still catalogs upwards of $80 for UNC. The first gold coin was a 15000 Francs 0.1320 troy ounce proof issued in 1977 to mark the 10th Year of General Gnassingbe Eyadema as President. The issue had very low mintage (75) but remarkably catalogs for only a slight premium over bullion value.

Numismatic items of Togo include:


ItemPrice RangeDescription
Coins$2 and upCommon UNCs start around $2. Commemorative Silver Proofs starts around $20. Colored Silver Proofs, Rare Essais from the 1950s, Gold Plated Silver Proofs, etc start around $30 and go into the $100 range depending on rarity.
Paper Money$10 and upUNC Francs from the 1980s and 1990s starts around $10. High Value UNCs and Rare Early Banknotes in VF+ start around $50.


Collectible Memorabilia:


ResourcePrice RangeDescription
Miscellaneous Collectibles$5 and upPatches, Flags, Pins, etc start around $5. 19th century original local scenes photos and prints, Mako Shark Tooth Extinct Fossils etc start around $20.


Last Updated: 12/2015.

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