In 1999, the Republic of Togo issued a vibrant set of postage stamps featuring a selection of mushrooms, aimed primarily at the thematic collecting market. These stamps were produced during a period when Togo, like several other countries, partnered with international philatelic agencies to release colorful and topical stamp issues. Although officially sanctioned and valid for postage, many of these stamps were intended more for collectors than for everyday use and were rarely, if ever, seen on domestic mail. The set showcases six different species of fungi, each illustrated in rich detail and printed with a high face value, reflecting their collector-oriented purpose.
Collecting Mushroom Stamps from Togo
The featured mushrooms include both culinary favorites and visually striking species from around the world, such as the Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Caesar’s Mushroom (Amanita caesarea), and the Saffron Milk Cap (Lactarius deliciosus). Each stamp presents the scientific name of the mushroom and a carefully rendered image, appealing to both philatelists and nature enthusiasts. While some catalogues list these as valid issues, others consider them “agency issues” or “philatelic wallpaper” due to their limited postal usage. Nonetheless, they remain a popular and attractive set among topical collectors, particularly those interested in fungi or natural history.
Fungi on Stamps from Togo (1999)
| Value | Common Name | Scientific Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100f | Reishi (Lingzhi) | Ganoderma lucidum | Used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine; believed to boost immunity and reduce stress. Typically grows on hardwood trees. |
| 500f | The Blusher | Amanita rubescens | Edible when thoroughly cooked, but easily confused with toxic Amanitas. Named for its reddish bruising when damaged. |
| 400f | Violet Webcap | Cortinarius violaceus | Striking deep violet mushroom found in deciduous and coniferous forests. Edibility is unclear; not commonly consumed. |
| 300f | Caesar’s Mushroom | Amanita caesarea | Highly prized edible species in Southern Europe. Bright orange cap with a yellow stem and gills. Rarely found outside its native range. |
| 200f | Saffron Milk Cap | Lactarius deliciosus | A popular edible mushroom, especially in Spain and Eastern Europe. Orange cap and gills, exudes orange latex when cut. |
| 150f | Yellowfoot (Winter Chanterelle) | Craterellus lutescens | Delicate edible mushroom with a yellow stem and funnel-shaped cap. Grows in damp, mossy coniferous forests. Often used in soups and stews. |
Explore stamps by theme or view my useful guides on stamp collecting for beginners.
