British Occupation of Baghdad Stamps
British Occupied Baghdad was a territory in the Middle East, specifically in Mesopotamia, administered by the United Kingdom following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Postal services during this period were managed under the authority of the British military administration, often utilizing stamps overprinted with "B.
- Issued stamps
- 1917–1917
- Region
- Middle East, Mesopotamia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- English, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
E. F. " (British Expeditionary Force) or "Iraq" under British control. The stamps predominantly feature English and Arabic inscriptions, reflecting the administrative language and the local populace. This entity represents a transitional phase before the formal establishment of the Kingdom of Iraq under the British Mandate.
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.
- I.E.F. 'D'
- BAGHDAD
- IRAQ
How to identify them
- Look for stamps of British India or Ottoman Turkey with overprints 'I.E.F. 'D'', 'BAGHDAD', or 'IRAQ' (in English and Arabic).
- Check for the specific dates of issue (1917) to distinguish from later Iraqi issues.
Popular series
-
Indian Expeditionary Force 'D' Overprints
1917
Stamps of British India overprinted 'I.E.F. 'D'' and 'BAGHDAD' used by the British forces upon the capture of Baghdad.
-
British Occupation of Iraq Overprints
1917
Stamps of Turkey overprinted 'BAGHDAD' and 'IRAQ' in Arabic and English, issued for use in the occupied territories.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are on cover. Stamps with clear, well-centered overprints are more desirable. Errors or varieties can command higher prices.
Catalogs. British Occupation of Baghdad 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 British Occupation of Baghdad stamps
British Occupation of Baghdad stamps are postage stamps issued for use in the city of Baghdad and surrounding areas after its capture by British forces in 1917 during World War I. These were primarily stamps of British India or Ottoman Turkey overprinted with specific inscriptions like 'I.E.F. 'D'', 'BAGHDAD', or 'IRAQ'.
The value of British Occupation of Baghdad stamps varies. Common examples in good condition can range from $5 to $50. Rarer issues, particularly those with specific overprint varieties, errors, or those found on original covers, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition and authenticity are key factors.
To identify British Occupation of Baghdad stamps, look for the base stamps of British India or Ottoman Turkey. The key identifiers are the overprints: 'I.E.F. 'D'' (Indian Expeditionary Force 'D'), 'BAGHDAD', or 'IRAQ' in both English and Arabic. Pay attention to the font and placement of these overprints. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
British Occupation of Baghdad stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under Great Britain or Iraq), the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue, and the Michel Ostasien (Middle East) catalog.
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