Federation of South Arabia Stamps
The Federation of South Arabia was a British protectorate located in the Middle East, encompassing the former Aden Colony and various sultanates on the Arabian Peninsula. Its postal history is defined by its status as a British dependency, with stamps often featuring English alongside Arabic, reflecting the administrative language and local culture.
- Issued stamps
- 1963–1966
- Region
- Middle East, Arabian Peninsula
- Currency
- SAR
- Languages
- English, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
The Federation existed briefly between 1962 and 1967, issuing definitive and commemorative stamps before being succeeded by the People's Republic of South Yemen, marking a significant transition in the region's political and postal administration.
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.
- FEDERATION OF SOUTH ARABIA
- SOUTH ARABIA
How to identify them
- Stamps typically feature 'FEDERATION OF SOUTH ARABIA' or 'SOUTH ARABIA' in English, often alongside Arabic script.
- Many stamps from this period also bear the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, indicating their British protectorate status.
- Look for the specific dates of issue (1963-1966) to distinguish them from earlier Aden issues or later South Yemen stamps.
Popular series
-
Definitives
1963-1966
The primary definitive series featuring local scenes, fauna, and the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, overprinted 'SOUTH ARABIA'.
-
Commemorative Issues
1963-1966
Various commemorative sets marking events such as the World Health Organization, Freedom from Hunger, and International Cooperation Year.
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
- $20–$200+
Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Complete sets, especially mint never hinged, and certain commemorative issues can fetch higher prices. Errors or varieties are rare and command significant premiums.
Catalogs. Federation of South Arabia 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 Federation of South Arabia stamps
Federation of South Arabia stamps were issued by the British protectorate that existed from 1962 to 1967, encompassing the former Aden Colony and various sultanates on the Arabian Peninsula. These stamps reflect the region's brief period as a British dependency before its transition to independence.
Most common Federation of South Arabia stamps are not highly valuable, typically ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, complete mint sets, specific commemorative issues, and any rare errors or varieties can be more valuable, potentially reaching $20 to over $200. Condition plays a significant role in their worth.
Federation of South Arabia stamps are identified by inscriptions like 'FEDERATION OF SOUTH ARABIA' or 'SOUTH ARABIA' in English, often accompanied by Arabic text. Many also feature Queen Elizabeth II's portrait. The period of issue, 1963-1966, is crucial for identification. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Federation of South Arabia stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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