Introduction to the Suez Canal Company and Its Postal Service
The Suez Canal, one of the most strategic waterways in the world, was constructed under the leadership of Ferdinand de Lesseps. The Compagnie Universelle du Canal Maritime de Suez, or the Suez Canal Company, was granted a concession in 1855 to undertake this monumental project. After years of construction, the canal officially opened on November 17, 1869.
Before the Egyptian postal system took over, the Suez Canal Company established its own postal service to facilitate mail transport between Port Said and Suez. Between 1859 and 1867, mail was transported free of charge. However, by July 1868, the company introduced postage stamps to cover these postal services. These stamps are now known as the Suez Canal Company stamps, some of the rarest and most fascinating issues in philatelic history.
The 1868 Suez Canal Company Stamps
Design and Printing
- The stamps were lithographed in Paris by Chézaud, Ainé & Tavernier.
- They were imperforate, meaning they had to be cut apart rather than separated by perforations.
- The design prominently features a sailing ship, symbolizing the maritime significance of the canal.
- The top and bottom of the stamp read “CANAL MARITIME DE SUEZ”, and the denomination appears in the four corners.
Denominations and Colors
The Suez Canal Company issued four values in 1868:
- 1 centime, black
- 5 centimes, green
- 20 centimes, blue
- 40 centimes, pink
Each value had a specific purpose:
- The 1c black was for printed matter.
- The 5c green was for local correspondence.
- The 20c blue covered regular letters.
- The 40c pink was intended for heavier mail or international destinations.
The Postal Use and Withdrawal
- These stamps were issued on July 8, 1868.
- They were valid only for internal mail services between Port Said and Suez.
- Due to opposition from the Egyptian authorities, their postal use was discontinued on August 16, 1868.
- By August 31, 1868, the stamps were demonetized, making them valid for only two months.
Because of this short-lived existence, genuine used copies on cover are exceedingly rare today.
Forgeries and Identification
The Suez Canal Company stamps are notorious for forgeries. Since their withdrawal, many counterfeits have been produced to deceive collectors. Here’s how to distinguish genuine examples from fakes:
Common Characteristics of Forgeries
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Printing Differences
- Many forgeries lack the fine details in the ship’s rigging.
- The original printing had clear cross-hatching in the background. Many fakes show vertical lines instead.
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Paper and Gum
- Genuine stamps were printed on high-quality thin paper with a smooth gum.
- Forgeries tend to have thicker, brittle paper with poor-quality gum.
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Typography and Lettering
- The word “POSTES” in genuine stamps is perfectly aligned.
- In forgeries, the word may appear misaligned or with uneven letters.
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Shades and Color Differences
- While the original stamps exist in shades, some forgeries have completely wrong colors.
- The 1c black is often found with an unnatural tone in fakes.
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Watermark Examination
- Some originals show part of a papermaker’s watermark (e.g., “LA+F” for La Croix Frères).
- Forgeries generally lack any watermark.
Pricing and Market Trends
Due to their historical importance and rarity, these stamps command high prices in auctions:
- 1c Black – £250 mint, £1500 used
- 5c Green – £85 mint, £1000 used
- 20c Blue – £75 mint, £550 used
- 40c Pink – £130 mint, £1200 used
Note: Prices can vary depending on condition, centering, and certification.
The Legacy of the Suez Canal Company Stamps
The Suez Canal stamps hold a special place in philately for several reasons:
- They were issued by a private company, not a government.
- Their usage lasted only two months, making genuine used copies very scarce.
- They provide insight into the early postal history of one of the most strategic maritime routes in the world.
These stamps are highly prized by collectors, particularly those specializing in:
- Egyptian postal history
- Maritime postal services
- Imperforate classic issues
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced collector, adding an authentic Suez Canal Company stamp to your collection is a remarkable achievement.
Final Thoughts
The Suez Canal Company stamps of 1868 are a fascinating chapter in postal history, reflecting the development of one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. Due to their short usage period, their rarity, and the prevalence of forgeries, they remain a coveted prize among philatelists.
If you are interested in acquiring one of these stamps, ensure that you verify authenticity through expert certification and study genuine characteristics to avoid counterfeits.
Are you a collector of classic Egyptian or maritime-related stamps? Share your thoughts in the comments below!