In 1960, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan issued a stunning three-stamp set to commemorate the official visit of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to Jordan. This diplomatic event symbolized the strengthening of ties between Jordan and Iran during a period of significant political and regional cooperation. The stamp set, printed by Litho Enschedé, captures the essence of this historic visit through its design and symbolism.
Design and Symbolism
The design of the “Royal Visit of Shah of Iran” stamps emphasizes the shared respect and cooperation between the two nations:
- Portraits of Leaders: The stamps feature the profiles of King Hussein of Jordan and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran, facing each other in a gesture of mutual recognition and diplomacy.
- National Flags: The national flags of Jordan and Iran are prominently displayed, crossed in the center to symbolize unity and friendship between the two nations.
- Royal Crowns: Above each portrait, the respective crowns of the Hashemite Kingdom and the Shah’s monarchy underscore the royal nature of the event.
- Bilingual Inscription: The stamps include text in both Arabic and English, reading “Royal Visit of H.M. Shahinshah of Iran” and the date of the visit, 2 November 1959 (1379 in the Islamic calendar).
The use of vibrant, multicolored printing enhances the stamps’ visual appeal, making them a standout issue in Jordan’s philatelic history.
Denominations and Colors
This commemorative set consists of three denominations, each with unique colors and purposes. Below are the details:
| SG No. | Face Value | Color | Mint (£) | Used (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 499 | 15 Fils | Multicolored | 0.75 | 0.70 |
| 500 | 35 Fils | Multicolored | 1.10 | 1.00 |
| 501 | 50 Fils | Multicolored | 1.50 | 1.40 |
Historical Context
The visit of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to Jordan in November 1959 marked a significant moment in the history of Middle Eastern diplomacy. The meeting between King Hussein and the Shah highlighted the efforts of both monarchs to foster regional stability, strengthen alliances, and promote cultural and political cooperation.
This visit took place during a period when both Jordan and Iran sought to navigate the complexities of the Cold War and maintain their sovereignty amid external pressures. The stamps serve as a philatelic reminder of this important diplomatic encounter, emphasizing the role of monarchies in shaping regional alliances.
Did You Know?
- Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and King Hussein both came from dynasties with long-standing ties to their countries’ histories. While the Shah represented a modernizing monarchy in Iran, King Hussein embodied the Hashemite legacy in the Arab world.
- The crossed flags depicted on the stamps are a common diplomatic symbol, representing mutual respect and cooperation between nations.
Closing Thoughts
The 1960 Royal Visit of Shah of Iran Stamp Set is more than a philatelic issue—it is a celebration of diplomacy, unity, and shared aspirations between Jordan and Iran. The stamps’ elegant design and historical significance make them a valuable addition to any collection.
Do you have this set in your collection? What are your thoughts on its design and historical context? Share your stories in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into philatelic treasures.