Algeria — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Algérie Poste (بريد الجزائر) is Algeria’s national postal operator. Algeria was a French colony from 1830 — the longest French colonial possession — and became independent in July 1962 after the bloody War of Independence (1954–1962). Algeria’s philatelic history spans French colonial stamps (initially French stamps, then Algerian overprints from 1924, then distinctive Algerian colonial issues), and the independent republic’s stamps. Algeria is Africa’s largest country — dominated by the Sahara Desert — and its stamps reflect this dramatic geography alongside its Berber, Arab, and French cultural heritage.

Notable Stamp Issues

Algeria’s first separate stamps in 1924 were French stamps overprinted “ALGERIE.” The 1926–1940 colonial definitive series featuring the Algiers Grand Mosque and Roman ruins at Djemila are beautiful French colonial issues. The 1936 Paris Exhibition stamp and 1937–1941 pictorial definitives are admired. Liberation stamps from 1962 depicted the Algerian flag and national revolution. Modern Algerian stamps feature the ancient Tassili n’Ajjer rock art (UNESCO heritage), the M’Zab valley Mozabite architecture, Casbah of Algiers, and Saharan oasis scenes.

Collecting Tips

Yvert & Tellier covers French Algeria stamps; Scott Africa covers the independent republic. French Algeria stamps (1924–1962) are a classic French colonial area — the long colonial period produced many attractive issues. The 1962 independence and FLN (Front de Libération Nationale) related stamps are historically significant. Tassili n’Ajjer prehistoric rock art stamps are unique in world philately — prehistoric human figures 10,000 years old depicted on stamps. Tuareg and Touareg nomadic culture stamps are popular with Saharan thematic collectors.

Part of the Africa Postal Directory.