The country was a French territory until it gained independence in 1960. For about two years starting in December, 1977 the name was changed to Central African Empire. The earliest date seen in from 1960. For issues before 1960 see FRENCH EQUATORIAL AFRICA.
The stamps are grouped by political inscription:
A - inscribed “REPUBLIQUE CENTRAFRICAINE”
B - inscribed “EMPIRE CENTRAFRICAIN”
GROUP A: Frank inscribed “REPUBLIQUE CENTRAFRICAINE”