Exploring Postage Stamps and Postal History of Iran

Iran's postal history is a rich and fascinating topic, and it all started with the introduction of the telegraph in the mid-19th century.

The first postage stamp of Iran was issued in 1299 AH (1920 AD), featuring a portrait of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty.

This marked the beginning of Iran's modern postal system, which was established in 1921.

Iran issued its first official postage stamps in 1870, a remarkable feat considering the country's relatively undeveloped state at the time.

These early stamps, known as Lions, were printed domestically, which was a rarity for a country with limited resources.

The Lions featured the Shah's seal, a distinctive and iconic symbol that would become a hallmark of Iranian postage stamps.

Iranian Lions were an interesting challenge for collectors due to the many variations that exist to this day.

Iranian stamps have a rich history dating back to the Qajar dynasty in the late 19th century. The first postage stamps of Iran were introduced in 1299 AH (1881-1882 CE) and featured the monarch's image.

These early stamps were printed in London and featured a portrait of Naser al-Din Shah, the ruler of Iran at the time. The stamps were a significant milestone in Iran's postal history, marking the country's transition to a modern postal system.

Iranian stamps have since become highly collectible, with many featuring unique designs and motifs. Some stamps even showcase the country's natural beauty, such as the majestic Alborz Mountains.

The modern era of postal service in Iran started in 1851 with a postal reform that had no immediate effects. This reform was influenced by the success of the Anglo-Indian postal operations and positive reports about postal reforms in Europe and the British Empire.

In 1865, the Shah Naser al-Din sent a delegation to Paris to liaise with the French Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications. The news of the Iranian mission got around and sparked interest in postal communications and telegraphy.

A private businessman, A.M. Riester, submitted essays for Iranian stamps featuring a lion and a rising sun behind it, set in an oval inner frame, part of an ornamentally rich frame. However, he was chided for using national symbols for unsolicited stamps.

The Iranian mission opted for essays featuring a similar design prepared by Albert Barre, which eventually caught the attention of top bureaucrats and the Shah himself. These essays led to the printing of imperforate stamps in Teheran in 1868.

These stamps, known as the Bagheri stamps, were printed in quantities varying from 3,000 to 8,000 and issued for postal use in four denominations: 1 shahi violet, 2 shais green, 4 shais blue, and 8 shais red.

The 1929 Reza Shah Pahlavi stamps are a rare find, and one of the most eye-catching is the 3-toman stamp.

The design of this stamp is an impressive example of Asian splendor, featuring the crowned Reza Shah seated on the throne with a sword and banner.

It's valued at $175 in unused, hinged condition, according to the Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940.

A lightly hinged example in true very fine grade is a good buy at up to 75 percent of Scott catalog value, making it a great option for collectors.

If you're looking to buy Iranian stamps, Apfelbaum, Inc. is a reputable option. They've been selling rare stamps since 1910 and offer online sales with Buy It Now options.

Their experts are available to answer any questions you may have, making it easier to find the stamps you're looking for.

Apfelbaum, Inc. can also help determine the authenticity of your own collection before selling it, giving you peace of mind.

They have a long history of expertise in the field, with a team that's well-equipped to handle even the most complex transactions.

Iranian Forgeries can be a major challenge for collectors, with some estimates suggesting that forgeries outnumber genuine stamps from the era of 1870 to 1925 by a power of 10 or 20 to one.

Be extremely cautious when shopping for unused or too-cleanly cancelled Iranian stamps, as these are often forgeries.

Inspecting the perforations, paper quality, gum, color, and other characteristics of a stamp can help you identify potential forgeries.

A specialist can identify subtle differences in design, which is crucial when many of the original printing plates were retouched or modified before reprinting.