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.
- Issued stamps
- 1967–1967
- Region
- Middle East, Arabian Peninsula
- Currency
- YAD
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Aden Protectorate
About Upper Yafa stamps
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Upper Yafa stamps
- Look for 'Upper Yafa' or 'Upper Yafa Sultanate' in English and/or Arabic script.
- Stamps often feature the portrait of Sultan Muhammad bin Salih al-Harhara or local scenes.
- Many issues are overprints on stamps of Aden or South Arabia.
- The year of issue is exclusively 1967.
Popular 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.
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
- $1–$10
- Scarce stamps
- $20–$100+
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.
Catalogs. Upper Yafa 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 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.
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.
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. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
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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