North Yemen Stamps
North Yemen, officially the Yemen Arab Republic, was located in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Its postal history began after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, leading to independence and subsequent political shifts, including a republican government established in 1962.
- Issued stamps
- 1926–1990
- Region
- Middle East, Arabian Peninsula
- Currency
- YER
- Languages
- Arabic
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About North Yemen stamps
Stamps from this period primarily feature Arabic script, reflecting the official language of the republic. The country's postal administration operated independently until its unification with South Yemen in 1990 to form the modern Republic of Yemen.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify North Yemen stamps
- Look for 'Yemen Arab Republic' or 'North Yemen' in Arabic script (الجمهورية العربية اليمنية).
- Early issues (pre-1962) often feature portraits of the Imam or calligraphic designs.
- Post-1962 issues are more varied, depicting national symbols, historical figures, and international themes.
Popular series
-
Definitives (King Yahya Muhammad Hamid ed-Din)
1926-1948
Early issues featuring the Imam Yahya, often with calligraphic designs and Arabic inscriptions.
-
Republic Commemoratives
1962-1970s
Stamps issued after the 1962 revolution, depicting national symbols, historical events, and various international themes.
-
Overprints and Surcharges
Various
Numerous issues with overprints and surcharges reflecting political changes and postal rate adjustments.
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 North Yemen stamps are generally inexpensive. Early issues, especially those from the Kingdom period, and certain commemorative sets or errors can command higher prices. Condition significantly impacts value.
Catalogs. North Yemen 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 North Yemen stamps
North Yemen stamps were issued by the Yemen Arab Republic, which existed from 1962 until its unification with South Yemen in 1990. Before 1962, stamps were issued by the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen, which is also considered part of North Yemen's philatelic history.
The value of North Yemen stamps varies widely. Many common issues are inexpensive, often found for under a dollar. However, early issues from the Kingdom period, certain commemorative sets, errors, and stamps in pristine condition can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars, and sometimes more for rare items.
North Yemen stamps can be identified by their Arabic inscriptions, often including 'الجمهورية العربية اليمنية' (Yemen Arab Republic). Early issues feature distinct calligraphic designs or portraits of the Imam. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
North Yemen stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values.
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