British Occupied Mosul Stamps
British Occupied Mosul was a short-lived administrative region in northern Mesopotamia, now part of modern Iraq, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Its postal history is brief, characterized by the use of provisional issues overprinted on existing Ottoman stamps, reflecting the military administration imposed by the United Kingdom.
- Issued stamps
- 1919–1919
- Region
- Middle East, Mesopotamia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- English, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
These provisional issues typically bear English inscriptions alongside Arabic, marking the transition from Ottoman rule toward the League of Nations Mandate for Iraq. The area's postal identity was quickly absorbed into the broader postal system established 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.
- IRAQ IN BRITISH OCCUPATION
How to identify them
- Look for the overprint 'IRAQ IN BRITISH OCCUPATION' (sometimes abbreviated) in English, often accompanied by Arabic text.
- The base stamps are typically Ottoman Empire issues from the early 20th century.
- Pay attention to the type and color of the overprint, as varieties exist.
Popular series
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Ottoman Stamps Overprinted 'IRAQ IN BRITISH OCCUPATION'
1919
Provisional issues created by overprinting existing Ottoman Empire stamps with English and sometimes Arabic text, signifying British military control.
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
- $10–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific Ottoman base stamp, the overprint variety, condition, and whether it's used or unused. Errors or rare combinations can command higher prices.
Catalogs. British Occupied Mosul 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 Occupied Mosul stamps
British Occupied Mosul stamps are provisional postal issues used in the short-lived British military administration of Mosul, a region in northern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), following World War I. They consist of existing Ottoman Empire stamps overprinted with 'IRAQ IN BRITISH OCCUPATION' and sometimes Arabic text.
Yes, British Occupied Mosul stamps can be valuable, especially rare overprint varieties, specific base stamps, or those in pristine condition. Common examples might fetch $10-$50, while rarer items can easily exceed $100 and even reach over $1,000 for exceptional pieces.
To identify British Occupied Mosul stamps, look for the distinctive overprint 'IRAQ IN BRITISH OCCUPATION' (or similar wording) on Ottoman Empire stamps. The overprint is usually in English and may also include Arabic. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
British Occupied Mosul stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under Iraq or British Occupation of Mesopotamia), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, issue dates, and estimated values.
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