Bussahir Stamps
Bussahir, historically known as the State of Bushire or Bushehr, is a region situated on the Persian Gulf coast of modern-day Iran. Its postal history is deeply intertwined with the British Indian Ocean mail routes, as it served as a crucial commercial and diplomatic outpost for the British Empire in the Gulf region.
- Issued stamps
- 1895–1900
- Region
- Middle East, Persian Gulf
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Persian, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Bussahir stamps
Prior to unified Iranian national issues, local postal services often utilized British Indian stamps overprinted for use in the Persian Gulf Residency. The stamps from this era predominantly feature Persian script alongside English, reflecting the administrative duality of the region under Qajar and later Pahlavi rule before its full integration into the modern Iranian postal system.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Bussahir stamps
- Look for British Indian stamps (typically Queen Victoria issues) bearing an overprint, usually in Persian script, that translates to 'Bussahir' or 'Bushire'.
- Examine the overprint carefully for authenticity; many forgeries exist. Compare with known genuine examples in philatelic catalogs.
- Note the base stamp's denomination, color, and watermark, as these are crucial for proper identification and valuation.
Popular series
-
British Indian Stamps Overprinted 'Bussahir'
1895-1898
These issues consist of regular British Indian stamps (Queen Victoria series) surcharged or overprinted with 'Bussahir' in Persian and sometimes English, indicating their use in the British postal agency at Bushire.
-
Provisional Issues
c. 1898-1900
Occasional provisional issues or handstamps were used when official overprinted stamps were unavailable, often on British Indian stationery or stamps.
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–$100
- Scarce stamps
- $500–$5,000+
The value of Bussahir stamps varies significantly based on the specific British Indian base stamp, the type and clarity of the overprint, and condition. Rarer denominations, errors, and covers command higher prices. Forgeries of the overprints exist.
Catalogs. Bussahir 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 Bussahir stamps
Bussahir stamps refer to British Indian postage stamps that were overprinted for use in the British postal agency located in Bushire (Bussahir), a significant port city on the Persian Gulf coast of what is now Iran, during the late 19th century. These stamps facilitated mail services in the region under British influence.
Yes, Bussahir stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare denominations, specific overprint varieties, or stamps on original covers. Their value is influenced by the condition of the stamp and overprint, the rarity of the base British Indian stamp, and the authenticity of the overprint. Prices can range from tens to thousands of dollars for rare examples.
To identify Bussahir stamps, look for British Indian stamps, predominantly from the Queen Victoria era, that bear an overprint, typically in Persian script, indicating 'Bussahir' or 'Bushire'. It's crucial to verify the authenticity of the overprint against philatelic catalogs. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Bussahir stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, overprint types, and estimated values, which are essential resources for collectors.
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