The 1903 Iranian overprints are an intriguing yet controversial chapter in philately. These stamps, produced under questionable circumstances, are noted for their elaborate designs and overprints, but their legitimacy as postal issues has been a topic of debate for decades. Both the Stanley Gibbons and Michel catalogues offer critical insights into their origins, casting them as creations more for collectors than for postal service.
A Collector’s Creation
According to Stanley Gibbons, the 1903 overprinted stamps were unapproved by Iranian authorities and were produced purely for philatelic purposes. These overprints were never intended for actual postal use but were instead created to cater to the burgeoning interest of stamp collectors during the early 20th century. This explanation aligns with similar practices in other regions, where philatelic demand occasionally drove the creation of unauthorized issues.
The Michel Catalogue corroborates this view, detailing that the overprints were commissioned by a Parisian curiosities trader named Satdjian, who had obtained the agreement of the Persian postal authorities to produce these stamps. The excerpt from Michel (translated) states:
“Michel Numbers 206–214 were manufactured at the instigation of the Parisian curiosities dealer Satdjian, who had secured the consent of the Persian Post to produce them. A small portion of the stamps reached counter sales.”
This production for “counter sales” implies that while some stamps may have been sold officially, the primary purpose of the issue was to meet the demands of collectors rather than postal needs.
Design and Variants
The stamps, featuring Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar, are adorned with intricate overprints in multiple color combinations. According to Michel, the stamps (catalogued as MiNr. 206–214) include various denominations and overprint colors, such as:
- 4 Chahis with red, blue, or green overprints
- 3 Krans with orange or brown overprints
- 2 Tomans with red-black overprints
The array of overprint variations, including slanted text and different ink colors, adds to their appeal among philatelists. The stamps’ perforation gauge is 11½:11, a detail crucial for accurate cataloguing and authentication.
Philatelic Significance
Despite their dubious origins, the 1903 overprinted stamps have become a notable part of Iranian philatelic history. Their unique backstory, coupled with the colorful overprints and limited distribution, makes them a fascinating subject for collectors. However, their legitimacy as postal issues remain questionable, and they are often categorized as philatelic curiosities rather than genuine postal artifacts.
Key Takeaways for Collectors
- Catalog Listings: Both Michel and Stanley Gibbons document these stamps, with Michel providing detailed information about the trader and variations.
- Authenticity Concerns: Given their unofficial nature, collectors should approach these stamps as curiosities rather than functional postal items.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The vivid designs and overprints make them visually striking additions to any collection, regardless of their origins.
Have you come across these fascinating Iranian overprints? Share your thoughts or collections in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more philatelic deep dives into rare and curious issues.