Algerian definitive stamps

Algerian definitive stamps encompass the regular postage issues produced for postal use in Algeria under French administration and following independence. Before specific issues were created, mail in Algeria utilised standard stamps of France from 1849. Dedicated definitive issues began in 1924, when French stamps were overprinted with "ALGÉRIE". In 1926, the territory released its first inscribed stamps, comprising four typographed pictorial designs of local scenes spanning thirty-five denominations from 1 centime to 20 francs. An engraved definitive series followed in 1936, depicting local scenery across eight distinct designs and thirty-one values.

Production methods and motifs evolved during the 1940s and 1950s. A photolithographed definitive set featuring the coats of arms of Algerian cities was released in 1942, printed both with and without the engraver's name in the lower left margin. Following the liberation of France, Algeria received stamps portraying Marianne and the Gallic cock, while the earlier "ALGÉRIE" overprint on French stamps was reinstated until 1947. A definitive series of sixteen stamps portraying municipal coats of arms appeared in 1947 and saw regular service throughout the 1950s, after which Algeria temporarily reverted to using unoverprinted French stamps between 1958 and 1962.

With independence in 1962, postal authorities inaugurated a national stamp programme on 2 July by applying local overprints reading "EA" in various typefaces and colours onto existing stocks of French stamps. These provisional issues were replaced on 1 November 1962 by a definitive set of five designs showing local scenes, inscribed "REPUBLIQUE ALGERIENNE" in both French and Arabic script. Subsequent definitive issues expanded to reflect the independent nation's identity, including a series illustrating occupations released in 1964, a stamp portraying Abd-el-Kader issued in 1967, and multiple definitive series featuring local views introduced from 1982 onwards.