Cameroon stamps year 1961 part set UK currency Overprinted MNH

Cameroon year 1961 part set UK currency Overprinted “REPUBLIQUE FEDERALE” 

🇨🇲 Cameroon 1961 “République Fédérale” Overprint Issue

📜 Background & Why These Stamps Exist

In 1961, following the reunification of French Cameroon with the Southern Cameroons (former British mandate), Cameroon briefly became the Federal Republic of Cameroon (République Fédérale du Cameroun). In this transitional period:

• Southern Cameroons still used British currency (pound, shilling, pence) until a currency union with the CFA franc was fully implemented.
• To provide valid postage in this region, existing Cameroon stamps (in CFA franc denominations) were overprinted with:
  • the text “RÉPUBLIQUE FÉDÉRALE”, and
  • a new value in UK currency (e.g., ½ d, 1 d, 1½ d, 2 s 6 d, etc.).
• These stamps were issued on 1 October 1961 and remained valid until the new franc-currency issues appeared in 1962.

This makes them a classic interim/transition issue with a fascinating political context — reflecting the monetary and administrative merging of two formerly separate territories.

🗂️ What the Set Includes

🧾 Overprinted Stamps (1961–1962)

A range of Cameroon stamps from earlier French-currency issues received the British currency surcharge and the RÉPUBLIQUE FÉDÉRALE overprint. According to catalog listings:

Typical values and formats include:

• ½ d on 1 franc
• 1 d on 2 francs
• 1½ d on 5 francs
• 2 s/10 d on 10 francs
• 3 d on 15 francs
• 6 d on 20 francs
• 1/25 sh on 25 francs
• 2/6 on 30 sh P/Fr
• 5 sh/100 F/Fr, 10 sh/200 F/Fr, and £ 1/500 F/Fr (higher values)

These stamps are often catalogued in specialized listings as a “Federal Republic surcharge/overprint set” for Cameroon — with mint never hinged (MNH) examples being readily collectible.

📌 Catalog & Identification

Depending on the cataloging system, these issues may appear under different identifiers:

• Scott Catalogue: Often listed in the C (Airmail) or regular issue ranges (e.g., Scott #C38–C40 for the airmail overprints, and #343–#351 for regular issues) (seen on dealer listings).
• Yvert & Tellier / European dealers: Usually under the range YT 328–YT 340 or similar for the overprint surcharges in sterling.