Syria Stamps
Syria, situated in Western Asia, occupies a pivotal position in the Levant, historically linking the Mediterranean to the interior of the Middle East. Its postal history is marked by periods under Ottoman rule, followed by the French Mandate (1920–1946), which significantly shaped early stamp issues and administrative structures.
- Issued stamps
- 1919–present
- Region
- Middle East, Western Asia
- Currency
- SYP
- Languages
- Arabic, French
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Syria stamps
Stamps from this era predominantly feature French and Arabic inscriptions, reflecting the official languages of the administration. Following independence, Syria has navigated various political transformations, including union with Egypt, which are reflected in the subsequent evolution of its national postal 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.
- U.A.R.
How to identify Syria stamps
- Look for inscriptions in Arabic and often French, especially on earlier issues.
- Identify overprints, which are common on Mandate-era stamps.
- Pay attention to watermarks and perforations, which can distinguish different printings.
- Note the presence of 'U.A.R.' or 'United Arab Republic' for stamps issued during the union with Egypt.
Popular series
-
French Mandate Issues
1920-1946
Stamps issued under French administration, often overprinted or featuring designs reflecting French influence and local Syrian motifs.
-
Independence Issues
1946-1958
Commemorating Syrian independence and national symbols, marking a shift to purely Syrian designs and themes.
-
United Arab Republic Issues
1958-1961
Stamps issued during the union with Egypt, often bearing dual inscriptions and reflecting the pan-Arab nationalist sentiment of the era.
-
Ba'ath Party Era Issues
1963-Present
Post-union issues, frequently depicting national development, political figures, and Arab unity themes.
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 Syrian stamps are generally inexpensive. Early French Mandate issues, particularly errors, varieties, and high values, can be quite valuable. Stamps from the UAR period are also collected, with some rarities. Condition is crucial for value.
Catalogs. Syria 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 Syria stamps
Syria stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal authorities of Syria, covering periods from the Ottoman Empire, French Mandate, independence, and the United Arab Republic, up to the present day. They reflect the rich history and political changes of the nation.
The value of Syria stamps varies widely. Common modern issues are generally inexpensive, often ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, early French Mandate issues, particularly those with rare overprints, errors, or high denominations, can be quite valuable, fetching $50 to over $500. Stamps from the United Arab Republic period also have collector interest, with some rarities.
You can identify Syria stamps by looking for inscriptions in Arabic, often accompanied by French on earlier issues. Key periods like the French Mandate (with specific overprints) and the United Arab Republic (with 'U.A.R.' or 'United Arab Republic' inscriptions) are distinct. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Syria stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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