Basutoland was an independent native state in 
South Africa
which was annexed to the Cape Colony in 1871. In 1881, control was transferred
to the British Crown and a separate British Crown Colony was established in
1884. Following independence from the United Kingdom on October 4, 1966,
Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho. It has a total land area of just
over 12,700 square miles and a population of over two million. The area is
surrounded by the Republic of South Africa.
South Africa
which was annexed to the Cape Colony in 1871. In 1881, control was transferred
to the British Crown and a separate British Crown Colony was established in
1884. Following independence from the United Kingdom on October 4, 1966,
Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho. It has a total land area of just
over 12,700 square miles and a population of over two million. The area is
surrounded by the Republic of South Africa.
Philatelic Profile:
The area of Basutoland used stamps of Cape of Good Hope
during the period from 1871 to 1910. 
From 1910 to 1933, it used stamps of the
Union of South Africa. The first stamps of Basutoland were a set of ten stamps
released on December 1, 1933 showing a crocodile and river scene along with a
portrait of King George V (KGV) in different colors and denominations. The set
(Scott #1 to #10) catalogs for around $245 MNH and around $345 Used. A very
similar design with the KGV head portrait replaced with a KGVI portrait was
used in a set of eleven stamps in 1938. That set (Scott #18 to #28) is more
affordable at around $75 MNH and around $60 for Used.
From 1910 to 1933, it used stamps of the
Union of South Africa. The first stamps of Basutoland were a set of ten stamps
released on December 1, 1933 showing a crocodile and river scene along with a
portrait of King George V (KGV) in different colors and denominations. The set
(Scott #1 to #10) catalogs for around $245 MNH and around $345 Used. A very
similar design with the KGV head portrait replaced with a KGVI portrait was
used in a set of eleven stamps in 1938. That set (Scott #18 to #28) is more
affordable at around $75 MNH and around $60 for Used.
Common design types along with a
several original designs in short sets formed the stamp issues of Basutoland
during the period till 1966. 
Most of the sets are not that valuable cataloging
well under $10 for MNH or Used. The Queen Elizabeth (QEII) local scenes set of
October 18, 1954 is however valuable and sought after. The set (Scott #46 to #56)
catalogs for around $75 MNH and around $55 Used. The designs show Qiloane Hill,
Orange River, Mosotho Horseman, Basuto Household, Malet-sunyane falls, Herdboy
with lesiba, Pastoral scene, Plane at Lancers Gap, Old Fort Leribe, Mission
Cave House, and Shearing Angora Goats. Basutoland adopted a new currency (100
Cents = 1 Rand) in 1961. A few surcharge overprints along with varieties of
some earlier sets using the new currency appeared during the period from 1961
to 1963. The issues have valuations in a similar range to that of the original
issues. Stamps of Lesotho replaced stamp issues of Basutoland in 1966.
Most of the sets are not that valuable cataloging
well under $10 for MNH or Used. The Queen Elizabeth (QEII) local scenes set of
October 18, 1954 is however valuable and sought after. The set (Scott #46 to #56)
catalogs for around $75 MNH and around $55 Used. The designs show Qiloane Hill,
Orange River, Mosotho Horseman, Basuto Household, Malet-sunyane falls, Herdboy
with lesiba, Pastoral scene, Plane at Lancers Gap, Old Fort Leribe, Mission
Cave House, and Shearing Angora Goats. Basutoland adopted a new currency (100
Cents = 1 Rand) in 1961. A few surcharge overprints along with varieties of
some earlier sets using the new currency appeared during the period from 1961
to 1963. The issues have valuations in a similar range to that of the original
issues. Stamps of Lesotho replaced stamp issues of Basutoland in 1966.Last Updated: 12/2015.
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