Official Stamps

First Official Stamp (Nil Value) 1893

This original issue of 1893 was intended for franking all inland governmental mail with a single stamp per item, irrespective of the nominal postage rate. It is known by collectors as the "no value" stamp.

Overprinted and Used as Fiscals

The "no value" stamp was replaced by others with nominated values. Remaining stocks were overprinted 1, 2, 3 and 5 PT (piastres) with values in English and Arabic. These stamps were used as fiscals.

Unintended Uses

The example shows the use, with other fiscals, to pay duties for a visa in a passport.

Postally Used

Covers with the "no value" stamp are found, but are far from common.

O.H.H.S. Overprinted Definitives 1907 - 1922

In 1907, 1914, 1915 and 1922 normal definitive stamps were overprinted for official use with O.H.H.S (On His Highness's Service) and the equivalent in Arabic.

In 1913 a single value, 5m, was overprinted with O.H.H.S. in English alone. This stamp is also found, very rarely, with the overprint in inverted commas.

O.H.E.M.S. Overprinted Definitives 1922

In October 1922, a new overprint, O.H.E.M.S. (On His Egyptian Majesty's Service), was used to mark the proclamation of the kingdom. Overprinted on pictorial stamps.

Issues 1938 - 1966

In 1966 a new design based on the eagle of Saladin with the two-star flag of the UAR in the center was introduced.

Issues 1972 - Present

A new eagle set was issued in 1972 with the two stars removed and the eagle facing right. In the 1972 issue the eagle was again set facing to the left and now using piastres instead of millièmes.