Rhodesia

The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was a semi-independent state that existed in South Africa for a decade, from 1953 to 1963. Even with such a short existence in history, this territory has significant presence in the world of stamps collection. The first stamp, released in 1954, inscribed ’Rhodesia & Nyasaland’ and portrayed Queen Elizabeth II. Initially, these stamps were available in the denominator of 2 and a Ω pence; however, later they were sold in 15 different values ñ starting from a halfpenny to a pound. Some of the stamps released later, in 1955, consisted of 15 different prints all related to scenery and industrial progress. Six more such special series were released in later years.

Southern Rhodesia, known as Zimbabwe today, was a British colony. British may have ruled the colony from 1923 to 1980; however, their reign was not continuous. Stamps, therefore, have shown a marked difference, throughout these years. Most of their stamps depicted the king in Black Watch uniform. Towards 1964, these stamps were inscribed with "Southern Rhodesia".

Although some of the Rhodesia stamps are considered to be of poor quality, some of the series are actually popular amongst philatelists and stamp collectors such as Rhodesian Arms, Rhodesian Double Heads and Admiral stamps, Northern Rhodesia and Anglo-Boer War.