Introduction
The 1925 East of the Jordan overprints on Palestine stamps are an essential part of the philatelic history of the region. These stamps were issued under the British Mandate and played a crucial role in postal communications in what is now Jordan. The overprint reads شرق الأردن (East of the Jordan) and was applied to the 1922 stamps of Palestine.
This guide will provide a detailed overview of this fascinating issue, covering the background, varieties, errors, and values of these stamps.
Historical Background
Following World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate over Palestine and Transjordan (modern-day Jordan). The postal system was initially based on overprinted British and Palestinian stamps. The “East of the Jordan” overprint was introduced to distinguish the use of these stamps within Transjordan.
The overprints were applied to the 1922 stamps of Palestine without the three-line “Palestine” overprint. The typography was executed by Waterlow & Sons, and the issue was released on November 1, 1925.
Design and Overprint Details
The stamps are inscribed “EEF” (Egyptian Expeditionary Force) and bear the overprint شرق الأردن in Arabic, meaning “East of the Jordan.” These stamps were used in Transjordan for official postal purposes.
- The stamps were watermarked Multiple Script CA.
- The perforation was 14.
- The overprint was done by Waterlow.
Denominations and Values
The following are the denominations issued and their respective values in the collector’s market:
Milliemes Values
- 1m. Deep Brown – Catalog Value: Mint £55 | Used £3.50
- 2m. Yellow – Catalog Value: Mint £1.25 | Used £75
- 3m. Greenish Blue – Catalog Value: Mint £2.75 | Used £2.25
- 4m. Carmine-Pink – Catalog Value: Mint £3.00 | Used £4.25
- 5m. Orange – Catalog Value: Mint £3.25 | Used £5.00
- Variety: Yellow-Orange – Mint £42.00 | Used £23.00
- 6m. Blue-Green – Catalog Value: Mint £3.50 | Used £2.75
- 7m. Yellow-Brown – Catalog Value: Mint £3.50 | Used £2.75
- 8m. Scarlet – Catalog Value: Mint £3.50 | Used £1.50
Piastre Values
- 1p. Grey – Catalog Value: Mint £4.00 | Used £3.00
- 13m. Ultramarine – Catalog Value: Mint £4.50 | Used £3.00
- 2p. Olive – Catalog Value: Mint £5.00 | Used £4.75
- Variety: Olive-Green – Mint £12.00 | Used £10.00
- 5p. Deep Purple – Catalog Value: Mint £10.00 | Used £35.00
- 9p. Ochre – Catalog Value: Mint £15.00 | Used £30.00
Errors and Rare Varieties
- 9p. Ochre – Catalog Value: Mint £30.00 | Used £48.00
- Perf 15×14 (1926) – Mint £1,200 | Used £1,500
- 10p. Light Blue – Catalog Value: Mint £30.00 | Used £48.00
- Error: “EEF” in Bottom Panel (Position R.10/3) – Mint £800 | Used £1,000
- Perf 15×14 (1926) – Mint £1,200 | Used £1,500
- 20p. Light Violet – Catalog Value: Mint £55.00 | Used £95.00
- Perf 15×14 (1926) – Mint £1,200 | Used £1,500
Complete Set Pricing
- Set of 15 stamps – Mint £130 | Used £170
- “SPECIMEN” Overprinted Set – £350
Key Features for Collectors
- Overprint Type: The overprint was applied to the 1922 stamps of Palestine. Collectors should ensure the overprint is genuine, as forgeries exist.
- Varieties: Some varieties, such as the Yellow-Orange shade of the 5m. Orange and the Olive-Green 2p., are highly collectible.
- Errors: The “EEF” bottom panel error on the 10p. Light Blue is one of the rarest varieties.
- Perforation Differences: The 1926 printings with Perf 15×14 are particularly rare and command high values.
Conclusion
The 1925 “East of the Jordan” overprints provide a fascinating glimpse into the postal history of Transjordan. With various shades, errors, and rare varieties, these stamps remain highly sought after by collectors. When collecting these stamps, it is essential to be aware of the differences in overprints, errors, and perforations to ensure authenticity and value.