Iraq Stamps
Iraq, situated in Western Asia, encompasses the historical Mesopotamian region and was administered as a British Mandate following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Its postal history reflects this transition, moving from Ottoman issues to stamps under the British Mandate and subsequently as an independent kingdom and republic.
- Issued stamps
- 1918–present
- Region
- Middle East, Western Asia
- Currency
- IQD
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Iraq stamps
Iraqi stamps predominantly feature Arabic script, often alongside English or French during earlier periods, and the country has navigated significant political changes that are reflected in its diverse stamp issues over the 20th century.
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
How to identify Iraq stamps
- Look for 'IRAQ' in Arabic (العراق) and often in English or French.
- Early issues frequently feature portraits of King Faisal I or King Ghazi.
- Many stamps from the British Mandate period are overprints on Ottoman or British Levant stamps.
- Later issues often depict Iraqi cultural, historical, or political themes.
Popular series
-
Mesopotamia Overprints
1918-1923
British occupation stamps overprinted 'IRAQ' or 'IRAQ IN BRITISH OCCUPATION' on Ottoman issues or British Levant stamps.
-
King Faisal I Issues
1923-1933
The first definitive stamps of the Kingdom of Iraq, featuring portraits of King Faisal I, often with Arabic and English inscriptions.
-
Republic of Iraq Definitives
1958 onwards
Stamps issued after the 1958 revolution, depicting national symbols, historical sites, and prominent figures of the Republic.
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
- $50–$5,000+
Early British Mandate overprints, especially on Ottoman stamps, and certain early King Faisal I issues can be quite valuable. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally affordable, with higher values for complete sets, errors, or rare varieties. Condition plays a significant role.
Catalogs. Iraq 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 Iraq stamps
Iraq stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal authorities of Iraq, covering periods from the British Mandate (starting 1918) through the Kingdom and the Republic. They reflect the country's rich history and cultural heritage.
The value of Iraq stamps varies widely. Early British Mandate overprints and some King Faisal I issues can be quite valuable, especially in good condition. Later definitive and commemorative stamps are generally more common and affordable, though complete sets or specific varieties can hold higher value. Rare errors or unissued stamps can command significant prices.
You can identify Iraq stamps by looking for the country name 'IRAQ' in Arabic (العراق) and often in English. Early stamps may feature portraits of monarchs like King Faisal I. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Iraq stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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