Aden Stamps
Aden, situated in the southern Arabian Peninsula, was a vital British Crown Colony and a strategic port on the route to India. Its postal history is marked by continuous British administration, beginning with issues for the East India Company and later for the Colony, often featuring English text alongside Arabic.
- Issued stamps
- 1937–1964
- Region
- Middle East, Arabian Peninsula
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Great Britain
About Aden stamps
The territory transitioned significantly following the end of British rule and subsequent incorporation into the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, leading to distinct changes in postal authority and design. Aden's stamps reflect its unique status as a major entrepôt within the British postal network until the late 1960s.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- ADEN
- COLONY OF ADEN
How to identify Aden stamps
- Look for 'ADEN' or 'COLONY OF ADEN' as the primary inscription.
- Many stamps feature portraits of British monarchs (George VI, Elizabeth II).
- Designs often depict local scenes, dhows, or the port of Aden.
- Early issues may have Arabic text alongside English.
Popular series
-
King George VI Pictorials
1937-1951
The first definitive series for the Colony of Aden, featuring local scenes and the portrait of King George VI.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Definitives
1953-1964
A series depicting various aspects of Aden's life and economy, with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
-
Surcharged Issues
Various
Stamps overprinted for specific postal rates or currency changes, reflecting administrative adjustments.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- £0.50–£5
- Scarce stamps
- £50–£500+
Common stamps are readily available. Early definitives, high values, and certain surcharges in fine condition can fetch significant prices. Errors and varieties are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. Aden stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Aden stamps
Aden stamps were issued by the British Crown Colony of Aden, located in the southern Arabian Peninsula, from 1937 until its independence in 1967. They reflect its status as a vital strategic port and British administrative center.
The value of Aden stamps varies. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from £0.50 to £5. However, early definitive sets, high-value denominations, specific surcharges, and stamps with errors or varieties, especially in fine unused condition, can be quite valuable, potentially fetching hundreds of pounds.
Aden stamps are typically identified by the inscription 'ADEN' or 'COLONY OF ADEN', often accompanied by portraits of British monarchs like King George VI or Queen Elizabeth II. Many designs feature local imagery such as dhows or the port itself. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Aden stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Michel Ostafrika (East Africa) catalogue.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.