Manama Stamps
Manama, the capital and largest city of Bahrain, is situated in the Persian Gulf region of the Middle East. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the British protectorate period, initially operating under the jurisdiction of the Indian postal system before establishing its own dedicated service.
- Issued stamps
- 1966–1972
- Region
- Middle East, Persian Gulf
- Currency
- BHD
- Languages
- English, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Bahrain
About Manama stamps
Stamps issued during this era predominantly featured English and Arabic inscriptions, reflecting the administrative languages of the Trucial States. Following independence in 1971, Manama became central to the postal administration of the modern State of Bahrain, transitioning to national issues.
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.
- MANAMA
How to identify Manama stamps
- Look for 'MANAMA' overprints on stamps originally issued for Bahrain or the Trucial States.
- Stamps often feature dual inscriptions in English and Arabic.
- Check for the specific years of issue (1966-1972) as this period defines their distinct philatelic status.
Popular series
-
Definitives
1966-1969
The initial definitive series featuring local scenes, dhows, and the Ruler's portrait, often overprinted 'Manama'.
-
Ruler's Portrait Series
1968-1970
Stamps depicting Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, common for the Trucial States and later Bahrain.
-
Anniversaries and Commemoratives
1966-1972
Various issues commemorating local and international events, often shared designs with other Trucial States.
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–$500+
Common Manama stamps are generally inexpensive. Rarer issues include specific overprints, errors, or high-value definitives, especially in mint condition or on cover. Early issues and specific commemorative sets can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Manama 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 Manama stamps
Manama stamps refer to postage stamps issued specifically for the city of Manama, the capital of Bahrain, during a transitional period from 1966 to 1972. These stamps were often overprints on issues from Bahrain or the Trucial States, reflecting its unique postal administration before Bahrain's full independence.
The value of Manama stamps varies. Common issues are generally affordable, ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, certain rare overprints, errors, or high-denomination stamps, especially in fine mint condition or on original covers, can be quite valuable, fetching prices from $50 to over $500.
To identify Manama stamps, look for the 'MANAMA' overprint, typically in English and sometimes Arabic, on stamps that might otherwise appear to be from Bahrain or the Trucial States. Pay attention to the issue dates, which fall between 1966 and 1972. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Manama stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values, often found within the sections for Bahrain or the Trucial States, or as a distinct entity for this specific period.
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