Plains of Dura Stamps
The Plains of Dura, a region historically associated with Mesopotamia, are situated in modern-day Iraq, placing them within Western Asia. Postal history in this area is deeply intertwined with the administration of various empires, notably the Ottoman Empire, followed by the British Mandate for Mesopotamia.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Middle East, Western Asia
- Currency
- Qirsh
- Languages
- Arabic, Ottoman Turkish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Plains of Dura stamps
Stamps issued for this territory predominantly feature Arabic script, often alongside Latin characters reflecting international postal standards. The region's postal infrastructure underwent significant reorganization following the establishment of the modern Kingdom of Iraq.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Plains of Dura stamps
- Look for Ottoman Empire stamps, often featuring tughra (sultan's monogram) or calligraphic designs.
- Examine cancellations for place names in Arabic or Ottoman Turkish that correspond to locations within the Plains of Dura.
- Be aware of potential overprints or surcharges that might indicate specific local usage or provisional issues.
Popular series
-
Ottoman Empire Issues for Mesopotamia
c. 1860s-1910s
Stamps of the Ottoman Empire used in the Mesopotamian region, often identifiable by specific cancellations or overprints.
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
- $200–$2,000+
Stamps specifically used in the Plains of Dura region are typically Ottoman Empire issues. Their value depends heavily on condition, specific issue, and especially the presence and clarity of local cancellations or overprints that confirm usage in the area. Early Ottoman issues can be quite valuable, particularly those with rare postmarks.
Catalogs. Plains of Dura 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 Plains of Dura stamps
Plains of Dura stamps refer to postal issues used within the historical region of the Plains of Dura, located in modern-day Iraq. These are primarily stamps of the Ottoman Empire, which administered the area during the period of their postal activity, sometimes identifiable by specific local cancellations or overprints.
The value of stamps used in the Plains of Dura varies significantly. Common Ottoman Empire issues used in the region might be worth a few dollars, while rare early issues, specific provisional stamps, or those with clear and desirable local cancellations can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition plays a crucial role in determining value.
To identify stamps used in the Plains of Dura, look for stamps issued by the Ottoman Empire from the mid-19th to early 20th century. Key identifiers include the design (often featuring the Sultan's tughra), the language (Ottoman Turkish and Arabic), and most importantly, cancellations that indicate usage in cities or towns within the historical Plains of Dura region. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Stamps used in the Plains of Dura, being primarily Ottoman Empire issues, are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons under the listings for the Ottoman Empire or Turkey. Specialized catalogs for Ottoman Empire postal history may also provide more detailed information on specific cancellations and local usages relevant to the Plains of Dura.
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