Palestine Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Palestine Stamps
Palestine, situated in the Middle East at the crossroads of Asia and Africa, has a complex postal history deeply intertwined with shifting geopolitical control. Early issues were often administered under the Ottoman Empire, followed by the British Mandate period, which significantly shaped its postal administration and stamp design. Stamps from this era frequently feature English, Arabic, and sometimes French, reflecting the multilingual environment under British rule. The subsequent fragmentation and administrative changes have led to distinct issues under various authorities, making its philatelic record a testament to the region's turbulent modern history.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Middle East
- Subregion:
- Western Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1994 – 2019
- Languages:
- Arabic, English
- Currency:
- ILS
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- issuer:palestine.overview.parentIssuerValue
Stamp Catalogs
Palestine stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Palestine Stamp Series
First Definitive Series (1994-1995)
The initial stamp issues by the Palestinian National Authority, often featuring local landmarks, flora, and fauna, marking the beginning of self-administration.
Jerusalem Series (1996-present)
Stamps frequently depicting significant sites in Jerusalem, reflecting its cultural and religious importance to Palestinians.
Cultural Heritage Series (Various)
Issues highlighting Palestinian art, traditions, historical figures, and archaeological sites.
Palestine Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Modern Palestinian stamps are generally affordable. Rarities exist for early issues, specific errors, or limited print runs. Stamps from the British Mandate period (pre-1948) can be significantly more valuable, especially those with overprints or specific cancellations.
How to Identify Palestine Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Palestine stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Palestine' or 'فلسطين' (Filastin) in Arabic script.
- 2 Many stamps feature trilingual inscriptions (English, Arabic, Hebrew) during the British Mandate period, but modern issues primarily use Arabic and English.
- 3 Modern issues often include the emblem of the Palestinian National Authority.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Palestine stamps?
Palestine stamps refer to postage stamps issued by various postal administrations in the region historically known as Palestine. This includes stamps from the Ottoman Empire, the British Mandate of Palestine (1918-1948), and more recently, the Palestinian National Authority (since 1994).
Are Palestine stamps valuable?
The value of Palestine stamps varies greatly. Modern issues from the Palestinian National Authority are generally inexpensive. However, stamps from the British Mandate period, especially early issues, specific overprints, or those with rare cancellations, can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for rare items.
How can I identify Palestine stamps?
To identify Palestine stamps, look for the country name 'Palestine' or 'فلسطين' (Filastin) in Arabic. British Mandate issues often feature trilingual text (English, Arabic, Hebrew). Modern issues typically show 'Palestine' in English and Arabic. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly identify specific issues and learn more about them.
Which catalogs list Palestine stamps?
Palestine stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values for stamps from all periods of Palestinian postal history.
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