Latakia Stamps
Latakia, historically known as Laodicea on the Sea, is a coastal city and region situated in the Levant, part of Western Asia. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I.
- Issued stamps
- 1931–1931
- Region
- Middle East, Levant
- Currency
- SYP
- Languages
- French, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
About Latakia stamps
Stamps issued for this territory predominantly feature French and Arabic inscriptions, reflecting the administrative language of the French authorities. The region's postal administration transitioned through various phases of French control before becoming part of the independent Syrian state.
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.
- LATTAQUIE
How to identify Latakia stamps
- Look for the overprint 'LATTAQUIE' (Latakia) and new values in Syrian currency on stamps originally issued for the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon.
- The base stamps often feature designs common to French colonial issues of the period, such as allegorical figures or landscapes.
Popular series
-
Overprinted French Mandate Stamps
1931
Stamps of the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon overprinted 'LATTAQUIE' (Latakia) and new values in Syrian currency.
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
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€500+
The value of Latakia stamps is primarily driven by their short issuance period and the historical context of the French Mandate. Complete sets and well-centered examples command higher prices. Errors or varieties are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. Latakia 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 Latakia stamps
Latakia stamps refer to postage stamps issued specifically for the autonomous territory of Latakia (also known as the Alawite State) during its brief period of postal autonomy under the French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon in 1931. These were typically French Mandate stamps overprinted with 'LATTAQUIE' and new denominations.
Yes, Latakia stamps can be valuable, especially complete sets, well-preserved examples, or those with specific overprint varieties. Their limited issuance period (only 1931) contributes to their scarcity. Common individual stamps might range from €5-€50, while rare items or complete sets can fetch hundreds of euros or more, depending on condition and specific issue.
To identify Latakia stamps, look for the distinctive 'LATTAQUIE' overprint, usually in black, applied to stamps originally issued for the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon. The overprint will also include new values in Syrian currency. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Latakia stamps are listed in all major philatelic catalogs, including Scott (usually under 'Syria' or 'French Mandate'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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