Originally a part of French West Africa, Dahomey became independent in 1960. In 1975 the country changed its name to Benin. For issues before 1960, see FRENCH WEST AFRICA.
The stamps are grouped according to country name in the frank:
A – DAHOMEY
B – BENIN
GROUP A: Franks inscribed “REPUBLIQUE DU DAHOMEY”[edit | edit source]
A1. Secap Model “N” (MV), 1962. [Scarce]
Frank inscribed "REPUBLIQUE DU DAHOMEY"
A. “REPUBLIQUE” on top line of inscription
B. “REPUBLIQUE DU” on top line
“M# with “N” prefix.
TM: straight line stacked below frank
V/F: 0000
A2. Satas “D” (MV). [Very scarce]
M# with “SD” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F: ★000F
A3. Satas “J” (MV). [Very scarce]
M# with “SJ” prefix.
Date figures tall.
TM: SC
V/F: ★00
A4. Satas “R” (MV).
M# with “SR” prefix.
Date figures short.
TM: SC
V/F: ★000
a. Date only, without TM. (SR7251) [Scarce]
A5. Camp (MV). [Rare]
Post Office stamp. Inscribed “REPUBLIQUE DU/ DAHOMEY”.
M# with “PR” prefix???.
TM: SC. Printed on white adhesive tape only
V/F: ★000
GROUP B: Franks inscribed “BENIN”, “R. P. BENIN” or “REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN”[edit | edit source]
B1. Satas “R” (MV).
Frank inscribed “R. P./ BENIN”.
“POSTES” straight or curved. M# with “SR” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F: ★000
a. Date only without TM
b. Frank inverted, value figures upright (SR7271) [Rare]
B2. Satas “R” (MV). [Scarce]
As Type B1 but inscribed “BENIN”.
“POSTES” slightly curved.
M# with “SR” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F: ★000
B3. Satas “R” (MV).
Large frank, 22 x 27mm, with “R.P./ BENIN” at top.
“POSTES” curved.
TM: SC
V/F: ★000
B4. Satas “L” (MV). [Scarce]
Inscribed “R.P./ BENIN”.
Value figures spaced widely.
M# with “SL” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F: ★ 0 0 0
B5. Satas (MV).
Large frank with straight-line borders complete at sides.
Inscribed “REPUBLIQUE/ DU BENIN” at top.
“POSTE” at bottom above M#. M# without prefix.
A. Town name at top of TM [Uncommon]
B. Mailer’s identification at top of TM [Scarce]
TM: SC
V/F: 0000
a. Unengraved meter number. Solid block below “POSTE”.
B6. Pitney Bowes-GB “A900” series (MV).
Horizontal frank with simulated perforation border.
“REPUBLIQUE/ du Benin” at top.
M# with “PB” prefix.
TM: DC (Solid, unengraved TM reported. Engraved TMs may exist.)
0000
