British Palestine Stamps
British Palestine, situated in the Middle East, issued stamps under the authority of the United Kingdom following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the British Mandate for Palestine by the League of Nations. Postal issues from this period prominently feature English alongside Arabic and Hebrew, reflecting the mandated administration's multilingual environment.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1927
- Region
- Middle East, Levant
- Currency
- EGP
- Languages
- English, Arabic, Hebrew
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
About British Palestine stamps
The stamps document a critical transitionary phase in the region's history, ultimately ceasing upon the termination of the Mandate in 1948.
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.
- PALESTINE
How to identify British Palestine stamps
- Look for the overprint 'PALESTINE' on Egyptian stamps for the earliest issues (1920-1922).
- Later issues (from 1927) will have 'PALESTINE' (in English), 'فلسطين' (in Arabic), and 'פָּלֶשְׂתִּינָה' (in Hebrew) as part of the design.
- Pay attention to watermarks (e.g., Multiple Crown and Script CA) and perforations.
Popular series
-
First Definitive Issue (1920)
1920
The initial set of stamps for British Palestine, overprinted 'PALESTINE' on Egyptian stamps. These are highly sought after due to their historical significance.
-
Pictorial Issue (1927)
1927
The first stamps specifically designed for Palestine, featuring local scenes and landmarks, issued shortly before the currency change.
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
- £1–£20
- Scarce stamps
- £100–£5,000+
Early overprints, especially those with errors or specific plate varieties, command significant premiums. Later definitive issues are generally more accessible, but high values and mint condition can still be valuable. Condition is paramount.
Catalogs. British Palestine 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 Palestine stamps
British Palestine stamps were issued under the authority of the United Kingdom during the British Mandate for Palestine, from 1920 until 1948. They reflect the multilingual administration, featuring English, Arabic, and Hebrew inscriptions.
Yes, many British Palestine stamps can be valuable. Early overprinted issues, especially those with specific varieties, errors, or in mint condition, are highly prized by collectors. Later pictorial issues also hold value, particularly higher denominations or complete sets. Common used stamps are generally affordable, but rarity and condition significantly impact value, ranging from a few pounds to several thousands for rare items.
You can identify British Palestine stamps by looking for the 'PALESTINE' overprint on Egyptian stamps for the earliest issues (1920-1922). Later stamps (from 1927) will have 'PALESTINE' in English, Arabic, and Hebrew as part of their printed design. Checking watermarks, perforations, and comparing them with philatelic catalogs are also crucial. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
British Palestine stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under 'Palestine'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons (often under 'Palestine' or 'British Commonwealth'). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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