This stamp originates from the French West Africa agricultural series, originally inscribed “Afrique Occidentale Française” and depicting bananas (La Banane). After Guinea gained independence in 1958, existing colonial issues were overprinted with “République de Guinée” in red. The base value of 20F was surcharged and modified to 45F, also in red. Such overprints were produced in the transitional period as Guinea established its own postal system.

This issue is prized by collectors for its strong historical significance, bridging the colonial and early independence eras, and for its botanical theme showcasing tropical agriculture.