Mt. Lebanon Stamps
Mt. Lebanon, situated in Western Asia on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, experienced a complex postal history under Ottoman rule before becoming a mandated territory under French administration following World War I.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Middle East, Levant
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Arabic, Ottoman Turkish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Ottoman Empire
About Mt. Lebanon stamps
Stamps from this period often featured French text alongside Arabic, reflecting the political control and the region's diverse linguistic environment. The territory transitioned through various administrative phases, including the autonomous Mutasarrifate and later the State of Greater Lebanon, with stamp issues reflecting these evolving political statuses until the establishment of modern Lebanon.
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.
- MONT LIBAN
- MT. LIBAN
- POSTE LOCALE
How to identify Mt. Lebanon stamps
- Look for the inscription 'MONT LIBAN' or 'MT. LIBAN' (sometimes 'POSTE LOCALE')
- Examine the design, which typically features a cedar tree or a simple numerical design.
- Pay attention to the cancellation marks, which can indicate local usage within the Mutasarrifate.
Popular series
-
Local Post of Mt. Lebanon
1861
The only known issues for Mt. Lebanon as a distinct entity, these stamps were privately issued for local use within the Mutasarrifate of Mount Lebanon.
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
- €50–€200
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€2,000+
Stamps from Mt. Lebanon are highly sought after due to their rarity and historical significance. The 1861 issues, often found with local cancellations, command significant prices, especially in good condition. Forgeries are known, so expert authentication is crucial.
Catalogs. Mt. Lebanon 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 Mt. Lebanon stamps
Mt. Lebanon stamps refer to the postal issues from the autonomous Mutasarrifate of Mount Lebanon, a distinct administrative region within the Ottoman Empire. The most notable issues are the local stamps from 1861, which were privately produced for internal postal services before the widespread use of Ottoman or later French mandate stamps.
Yes, stamps from Mt. Lebanon are generally considered valuable, particularly the 1861 local issues. Their rarity, historical context, and the limited period of their use contribute to their high demand among collectors. Prices can range from tens to thousands of Euros, depending on condition, specific variety, and cancellation.
To identify Mt. Lebanon stamps, look for the specific inscriptions 'MONT LIBAN' or 'MT. LIBAN' and the characteristic designs, often featuring a cedar tree or numerical values. Knowledge of the specific issues from 1861 is key. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Mt. Lebanon stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, their characteristics, and estimated values, which are essential resources for collectors.
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