Israel Stamps
Israel, situated in the Middle East on the Levant coast of Asia, established its modern postal service following its declaration of independence in 1948, succeeding the British Mandate for Palestine. Its stamps primarily feature Hebrew, often alongside Arabic and French or English, reflecting the region's linguistic diversity and historical influences.
- Issued stamps
- 1948–present
- Region
- Middle East, Levant
- Currency
- ILS
- Languages
- Hebrew, Arabic, English, French
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Israel stamps
The country rapidly joined the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1949, marking its full integration into the international postal system. Early issues often bear transitional markings or overprints related to the shift from the preceding mandatory administration.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Israel stamps
- Look for 'ישראל' (Israel) in Hebrew script, often accompanied by English, Arabic, or French.
- Early stamps may have 'Doar Ivri' (Hebrew Post) inscriptions.
- Many stamps feature Israeli cultural, historical, or religious themes.
Popular series
-
Doar Ivri (Hebrew Post)
1948
Israel's first stamps, issued immediately after independence, featuring ancient coins and Hebrew inscriptions, often overprinted.
-
Festival Series
1949-present
Annual issues commemorating Jewish holidays, known for their artistic designs and cultural significance.
-
Definitive Series (e.g., Landscapes, Archeology)
Various
Long-running series depicting Israeli landscapes, historical sites, and cultural themes, serving as workhorse 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
- $0.50–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$5,000+
Early issues, especially the 'Doar Ivri' stamps with specific overprints or errors, can be quite valuable. Later commemorative issues are generally affordable, but complete sets or specific varieties can command higher prices. Condition is crucial for value.
Catalogs. Israel 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 Israel stamps
Israel stamps are postage stamps issued by the State of Israel since its declaration of independence in 1948. They reflect the nation's history, culture, religion, and achievements, often featuring Hebrew, Arabic, and English inscriptions.
The value of Israel stamps varies significantly. Early issues, particularly the 'Doar Ivri' series from 1948, can be quite valuable, especially in good condition or with specific varieties. Later commemorative stamps are generally more common and affordable, but certain complete sets, errors, or rare cancellations can fetch higher prices. Rarity, condition, and demand are key factors.
You can identify Israel stamps by looking for the country name 'ישראל' (Israel) in Hebrew, often alongside English, Arabic, or French. Many stamps depict Israeli landmarks, historical figures, religious symbols, or cultural events. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Israel stamps are extensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (USA), Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (UK). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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