Sharjah Stamps
Sharjah, situated in the Arabian Peninsula within the Persian Gulf region, was a Trucial State under British protection until 1971. Its postal history is marked by the issuance of stamps under British control, followed by stamps reflecting its status as a founding member of the United Arab Emirates.
- Issued stamps
- 1963–1972
- Region
- Middle East, Arabian Peninsula
- Currency
- QAR
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- United Arab Emirates
About Sharjah stamps
Early issues often featured English alongside Arabic, reflecting the administrative influence of the British postal system. The transition to the UAE unified postal administration marked a significant shift in the administrative and denominational structure of its philatelic output.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Sharjah stamps
- Look for 'Sharjah' in Arabic (الشارقة) and often in English.
- Stamps typically feature the ruler's portrait, local wildlife, historical sites, or international themes.
- Many stamps from this period were issued in large quantities for the philatelic market, so condition is key for value.
Popular series
-
Definitives
1963-1972
Various definitive issues featuring local scenes, fauna, and rulers, often overprinted or surcharged.
-
Commemorative Issues
1964-1972
Numerous commemorative sets covering a wide range of international and local themes, often with colorful designs.
-
Overprints and Surcharges
1963-1972
Many early issues were overprinted or surcharged to reflect changes in postal rates or administrative status.
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
- €0.10–€2
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Common Sharjah stamps are widely available and inexpensive. Rarer issues include errors, specific plate varieties, and early definitive sets in pristine condition. Full sets and imperforate varieties can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Sharjah 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 Sharjah stamps
Sharjah stamps were issued by the Trucial State of Sharjah, located in the Arabian Peninsula, from 1963 until 1972. Initially under British postal administration, these stamps reflect the emirate's transition before it became a founding member of the United Arab Emirates.
While many Sharjah stamps, particularly common commemorative issues, have modest value (often €0.10 - €2), certain rare varieties, errors, or early definitive sets in superb condition can be valuable, ranging from €50 to over €500. Their value often depends on rarity, condition, and specific philatelic interest.
Sharjah stamps can be identified by the inscription 'Sharjah' (often in both English and Arabic: الشارقة). They typically feature local imagery, rulers, or international themes. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Sharjah stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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