Egypt, often called the cradle of civilization, boasts one of the longest histories of any modern country. As a result, its philatelic background is fascinating, and the material produced by this state is rich and diverse. From its earliest days to the modern era, Egypt has always had a dynamic and varied postal history.
As it was both an occupied and occupying force, Egypt is one of the most interesting places to begin a dead country collection. We present some of the rarest and most expensive stamps from Egypt, highlighting their historical context and value to collectors.
Keep in mind that not every stamp that looks like one featured here is necessarily valuable. Rarity, condition, and historical significance all play crucial roles in determining a stamp's worth.
An Egyptian stamp from 1951.
Key Factors Influencing Stamp Value
- Rarity: Limited print runs or unique errors can significantly increase a stamp's value.
- Condition: Well-preserved stamps with original gum and clear perforations are more desirable.
- Historical Significance: Stamps commemorating important events or featuring prominent figures often hold greater value.
- Errors and Varieties: Stamps with printing errors, such as inverted overprints or missing colors, are highly sought after by collectors.
Notable Rare Egypt Stamps
Several Egyptian stamps stand out for their rarity and value, attracting collectors worldwide. Here are some of the most significant examples:
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King Farouk’s 18th Birthday Stamp
King Farouk of Egypt was born Feb.11, 1920, in Cairo. Although technically succeeded for 11 months by his infant son, Fuad II, he was effectively the last ruler of the dynasty founded by the first khedive of Egypt, Mohammed Ali. This ruler spent vast fortune from the Egyptian treasury on art, cars, rare coins, and other collectibles.
A pair of 1938 King Farouk’s Birthday £E1 stamps was sold by David Feldman in June 2017. Estimated at 6,000 EUR, the lot was sold for 43,200 EUR ($48,784). Whereas the corner block of four in a very fine condition managed to fetch 48,800 EUR ($55,108) at David Feldman’s sale that took place in December, 2018.
Royal Wedding Miniature Sheet
The Royal wedding miniature sheet is an extraordinary Egyptian philatelic item, as only two sheets are known to exist today. It was issued to celebrate the wedding of King Farouk of Egypt and the 17 year-old Narriman Sadek at the Abdeen Palace in Cairo in 1951. The lavish wedding was held at a tumultous time for the Egyptian Monarchy, and this was the King’s second marriage. King Farouk and Queen Narriman divorced in 1954.
An imperforated, cancelled on the reverse, miniature sheet on thick paper was offered by David Feldman in December, 2018.
9th Birthday of the Crown Prince Farouk Stamp
The 9th birthday of the Crown Prince Farouk stamp is a remarkable philatelic issue devoted to one of the most famous Egyptian rulers - Prince Farouk. He was born on February 11, 1920, as a son of Fouad of Egypt (1868-1936) and his second wife, Nasli Sabri (1894-1978). On the occasion of prince’s 9th birthday a set of four stamps that differed in color and denominations was issued. These items are quite expensive today, as only 2000 copies were created, and even less specimens were preserved.
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5m-20m 9th Birthday of the Crown Prince Farouk stamp was sold for $1,500 by Robert A Siegel at its auction that took place in December 2015.
25th Birthday of King Farouk Stamp
The 25th Birthday of King Farouk stamp was issued in 1945 to celebrate the monarch’s 25th birthday. King Farouk was the King of Egypt and Sudan, succeeding his father, King Fuad I, in 1936. In keeping with his extravagant lifestyle, Farouk was known to collect many things including literature, gold coins and stamps. It is said that the King was particularly fond of philatelic misprints.
An imperforate sheetlet of nine 10mi purple stamps celebrating the king’s 25th birthday on watermarked paper was offered by David Feldman in December, 2018. In a very fine condition, this impressive lot fetched $18,909.
Arab League Congress Stamps
On 22nd March 1945 the Pact of The Arab League States was signed in Cairo by representatives of Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Transjordan and Saudi Arabia. Its objectives were closer unity between members, the safeguarding of their sovereignty and coordinated political action on Arab questions. On this occasion Arab League Congress stamps were created.
A set of nine items appeared at Daniel F. Keller auction that took place in December, 2011. The lot featuring original gum, never hinged was offered with a starting price of $2,000, but it managed to fetch $15,930.
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International Exhibition of Art Stamp
The International Exhibition of Art stamp is an Egyptian philatelic rarity of the highest order. It was issued in 1947 to celebrate Fine Arts International Exhibition and features a death mask of the 18th-dynasty ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun (reigned 1332-1323 BC), which was discovered by Howard Carter in 1925 in tomb KV62 and is now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The mask is one of the most well-known works of art in the world.
Only 100 sets of International Exhibition of Art stamps were printed, and the examples in a very fine condition are truly exceptional. A sheet of nine imperforate items, featuring original gum, never hinged, was offered by Daniel F. Kelleher Auction in December, 2011.
50pi King Farouk “Military” Stamp
50pi King Farouk “Military” stamp is one of the brightest philatelic issues dedicated to this monarch. It was used in time of World War II and after it. The stamp is designed in green colour and features King Farouk I of Egypt in military uniform. Egypt remained neutral in World War II. Under the 1936 treaty, Britain had the right to "defend" Egypt from an invasion, which turned the Western Desert of Egypt into a battlefield when Italy declared war on Britain on 10 June 1940 and invaded Egypt.
A pair of King Farouk “Military” imperforate stamps was offered by David Feldman in June, 2017.
1926 International Navigation Congress in Cairo Essay
1926 International Navigation Congress in Cairo essay is one of the most notable stamps presented by Egypt Postal Service. This attractive and unique philatelic item is an enlarged working photographic essay for the 5 mill value. The item features a pharaonic sailboat with King Fouad’s name added in hieroglyphics in a cartouche at left.
A very fine and extremely rare specimen of 1926 International Navigation Congress essays was sold at David Feldman auction that took place in December, 2018.
Examples from Recent Auctions
Recent auctions have showcased the diverse range and value of rare Egypt stamps. Here are some highlights from a May 3-4 Sale:
Lot #297: EGYPT 1860-77 selection of stamps with postal markings of the Italian (15), French (3), Austrian (2) and Russian (1) Foreign Post Offices in Alexandria, also three covers or FLs. Including 1874 envelope to Napoli, with Italian 40c canceled by "234" obliterator, 1875 unfranked FL from Naples to Cairo with 60c Italian Postage Due added on arrival and tied by Italian P.O. in Alexandria datestamp; plus 1868 FL from Alexandria to Paris franked with perforated 40c Empire (oxidized), fine and interesting lot. Price Realized: $300.00
Lot #302: EGYPT 1866 First Issue, 5pi rose, error of inscription "10pi" instead of "5pi", perforated 12 1/2x15 (by Penasson in Alexandria), upright "pyramid" watermark, unused without gum, color slightly pale, well centered for issue, usual perforations, fine and rare, with 2006 Ceremuga certificate (SG 6d,£1,000). Price Realized: $450.00
Lot #318: EGYPT 1922 Kingdom of Egypt Proclamation overprints, seven different inverted or double overprints, mostly n.h., slight gum toning as always, fine-v.f., pencil signed, with 2010 Ceremuga certificates. A rare group, only one sheet of each recorded. Price Realized: $1,400.00
Lot #324: EGYPT 1926 Port Fouad overprints, the complete set of four, tied by bilingual Port-Fouad 21 Dec.1926 First Day cancels on two unaddressed picture postcards, v.f., signed Roumet, with 2015 Sorani certificate. Price Realized: $1,400.00
Lot #331: EGYPT 1933 International Railway Congress, imperforate sheet margin singles, each with "Cancelled" on back, v.f. Only one sheet of 50 printed, with 2010 Ceremuga certificate. Price Realized: $550.00
Lot #963: EGYPT 1858 large part of a FL from the French Post Office in Alexandria, franked with Empire 2x10c, 40c and 3x80c, mostly with margins all around, paying 3fr rate to Aleppo, with boxed "P.P." and "Poste Francaise D'Alep" hs, also "Beirut, Syrie"transit, fine and impressive cover. Price Realized: $700.00
Lot #987: EGYPTSemi-Postals. 1956 Boy Scout Jamboree, perf. and imperf. souvenir sheets, n.h., v.f., rare set (SG MS513-14). Price Realized: $1,600.00
The Kingdom of Egypt was created in 1922, with King Fuad I installed as its first ruler. The monarch was a passionate philatelist, so he was in charge of stamp production. New issues began to appear with increasing regularity, many featuring images of the King.
In 1926, Fuad I celebrated his 58th birthday with a special high value 50pi purple slightly enlarged essay showing himself as a naval commander. This bright philatelic item inscribed “SOUVENIR DU VISTE D’ETAT MR. LE PRESIDENT DU FRANCE», featuring deep colour, in a very fine condition, was sold by David Feldman in December, 2018.
50th Anniversary of Rotary International stamp is relatively a modern Egyptian philatelic rarity. It was issued to celebrate 50 years since the creating of Rotary International - an organization that brings together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. The world's first service club was founded on 23 February 1905. The Egyptian item devoted to this important organization is designed in blue colour and features familiar Rotary image such as the gearwheel.
Here is a table summarizing some of the rare Egyptian stamps and their auction prices:
Exploring Stamps of Egypt: S4E1
| Stamp Description | Auction | Price Realized |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 King Farouk’s Birthday £E1 pair | David Feldman (June 2017) | $48,784 |
| 1938 King Farouk’s Birthday £E1 block of four | David Feldman (December 2018) | $55,108 |
| 9th Birthday of the Crown Prince Farouk (5m-20m) | Robert A Siegel (December 2015) | $1,500 |
| 25th Birthday of King Farouk (imperforate sheetlet) | David Feldman (December 2018) | $18,909 |
| Arab League Congress (set of nine) | Daniel F. Keller (December 2011) | $15,930 |
A collection of vintage Egyptian stamps.
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