Umm Al Qiwain Stamps
Umm Al Qiwain, one of the seven emirates that formed the United Arab Emirates, is geographically situated on the Arabian Peninsula in the Persian Gulf region of Western Asia. Its postal history is primarily defined by its status as a Trucial State, issuing its own distinctive stamps before joining the UAE federation in 1971.
- Issued stamps
- 1964–1972
- Region
- Middle East, Arabian Peninsula
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Umm Al Qiwain stamps
Stamps from this period predominantly feature Arabic script, often alongside English, reflecting the British influence as the protecting power. The transition to a unified postal system under the UAE marked the end of its independent postal administration.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Umm Al Qiwain stamps
- Look for 'Umm Al Qiwain' (or 'Umm al Qaiwain') in Latin script, often alongside Arabic script.
- Stamps typically feature the name of the emirate and a denomination, sometimes with 'Trucial States' or 'Indian Postal Administration' overprints in earlier issues.
- Many issues from the 1960s are colorful and depict a wide range of subjects, from local fauna to international events.
Popular series
-
Definitives
1964-1972
Early definitive issues often featuring local scenes, rulers, or national symbols, sometimes overprinted.
-
Commemoratives
1964-1972
Numerous commemorative sets issued for various international events, sports, and cultural themes, often targeting the thematic collector market.
-
Overprints
1964-1967
Stamps initially issued for other Trucial States or India, overprinted for use in Umm Al Qiwain, particularly in the early years.
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+
Many common issues are inexpensive, especially used. Full sets in mint condition, particularly early definitives and some thematic commemoratives, can fetch higher prices. Errors, varieties, and early overprints are generally the most valuable.
Catalogs. Umm Al Qiwain 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 Umm Al Qiwain stamps
Umm Al Qiwain stamps are postage stamps issued by the Trucial State of Umm Al Qiwain between 1964 and 1972, before it joined the United Arab Emirates. They reflect the emirate's independent postal administration during that period.
While many common Umm Al Qiwain stamps are readily available and inexpensive, certain issues can be quite valuable. These include early definitive sets, stamps with errors or varieties, and some complete commemorative sets in mint condition. Rarer items can fetch hundreds of dollars.
Umm Al Qiwain stamps are identifiable by the inscription 'Umm Al Qiwain' (or similar spellings) in Latin script, often accompanied by Arabic text. They typically feature the emirate's name and a postal denomination. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Umm Al Qiwain stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values.
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