Upper Yafa Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Upper Yafa Stamps
Upper Yafa, historically known as the Upper Yafa Sultanate, was a protectorate of the United Kingdom located in the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, within the modern region of Yemen. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the British administration of the Aden Protectorate, with stamps often reflecting the broader political framework of South Arabia. Issues from this entity typically featured Arabic script, sometimes alongside English, and its postal independence ceased following the formation of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen in 1967.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Middle East
- Subregion:
- Arabian Peninsula
- Issuing period:
- 1967 – 1967
- Languages:
- Arabic, English
- Currency:
- YAD
- Parent issuer:
- Aden Protectorate
Stamp Catalogs
Upper Yafa stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Upper Yafa Stamp Series
Definitives (1967)
The primary and only series issued, featuring local scenes, rulers, or symbolic imagery, often surcharged or overprinted.
Surcharges and Overprints (1967)
Stamps of the Aden Protectorate or South Arabia overprinted with 'Upper Yafa' and new denominations.
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Upper Yafa Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Upper Yafa stamps were issued for a very short period and are generally considered scarce. Their value is largely dependent on condition, specific varieties (e.g., overprint errors), and whether they are part of a complete set. Mint condition stamps tend to command higher prices.
How to Identify Upper Yafa Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Upper Yafa stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Upper Yafa' or 'Upper Yafa Sultanate' in English and/or Arabic script.
- 2 Stamps often feature the portrait of Sultan Muhammad bin Salih al-Harhara or local scenes.
- 3 Many issues are overprints on stamps of Aden or South Arabia.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Upper Yafa stamps?
Upper Yafa stamps were issued in 1967 for the Upper Yafa Sultanate, a British protectorate in what is now Yemen. They represent a very brief period of postal independence before the formation of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen.
Are Upper Yafa stamps valuable?
While not among the most expensive, Upper Yafa stamps are generally considered scarce due to their limited issuance period. Common stamps might fetch a few dollars, but complete sets, mint condition examples, or specific varieties can be worth $20 to over $100. Their value is primarily for collectors specializing in Arabian Peninsula or British Commonwealth philately.
How can I identify Upper Yafa stamps?
To identify Upper Yafa stamps, look for the inscription 'Upper Yafa' or 'Upper Yafa Sultanate' in English, often accompanied by Arabic script. Many are overprints on stamps of Aden or South Arabia. The issue year is exclusively 1967. For precise identification and cataloging, you can use a stamp identifier app by scanning the stamp, which can provide details on its origin, series, and potential value.
Which catalogs list Upper Yafa stamps?
Upper Yafa stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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