The 1953 Aden definitive stamp series is an exquisite collection capturing the cultural essence and colonial history of Aden. Issued during British rule, this collection showcases iconic landmarks, architectural marvels, and snapshots of everyday life. It is a prized possession for philatelists and history enthusiasts.
Key Details of the Issue
- Date of Issue: 15 June 1953
- Watermark: Mult Script CA
- Perforation: 13½×13 (No. 72), 12×13½ (Nos. 57, 64, 66, 68) or 12 (others)
- Printing Method: Recess by Waterlow, D.L.R. (from 5 December 1961)
Detailed Stamp List with Varieties and Accurate Prices (Stanley Gibbons Pricing)
5c. Yellowish Green (Minaret)
- Standard Issue: £0.20 mint, £0.10 used.
5c. Bluish Green (1.6.55)
- Standard Issue: £3.00 mint, £3.50 used.
- Variety – Perf 12 x 13½ (12.4.56): Mint: £0.45 Used: £2.50
10c. Orange (Camel Transport)
- Standard Issue: £0.30 mint, £0.10 used.
- Variety – Vermilion (1.2.55): £2.00 mint, £0.30 used.
15c. Blue-Green (Crater)
- Standard Issue: £1.50 mint, £0.60 used.
- Varieties:
- Greenish Grey (26.4.59): £10.00 mint, £6.50 used.
- Deep Greenish Grey (16.1.62): £19.00 mint, £25.00 used.
- Greenish Slate (13.11.62): £25.00 mint, £20.00 used.
25c. Carmine Red (Mosque)
- Standard Issue: £1.00 mint, £0.75 used.
- Varieties:
-
- Crack in Wall: £40.00 mint, £40.00 used.
- Deep Rose-Red (15.3.56): £7.50 mint, £1.25 used.
- Rose-Red (13.3.62): £20.00 mint, £30.00 used.
35c. Deep Ultramarine (Dhow)
- Standard Issue: £2.50 mint, £1.10 used.
- Variety:
- Deep Blue (15.10.58): £10.00 mint, £4.00 used.
- Violet Blue (17.2.59): £15.00 mint, £5.50 used.
50c. Dull Blue (Map)
- Standard Issue: £0.50 mint, £0.25 used.
- Varieties:
- Deep Blue (1.7.55): £4.50 mint, £2.50 used.
- Deep Blue Perf 12½ x 13 (12.4.56): £2.00 mint, £0.25 used.
- Deep Blue wmk Inverted: £900.00 used, unrecorded for mint.
70c. Brown-Grey (Salt Works)
- Standard Issue: £0.70 mint, £0.30 used.
- Varieties:
- Black (20.9.54): £3.00 mint, £2.00 used.
- Black Perf 12 x 13½ (12.4.56): £4.00 mint, £0.20 used.
1 Shilling Sepia and Reddish Violet (Dhow Building)
- Standard Issue: £2.75 mint, £1.00 used.
- Varieties:
- Black & Violet (1.7.55): £2.25 mint, £0.20 used.
1.25 Shilling Blue and Black (Colony’s Badge) 16.7.56
- Standard Issue: £16.00 mint, £1.00 used.
- Varieties:
- Dull Blue and Black (16.1.62): £26.00 mint, £1.75 used.
- Sepia and Rose-Carmine: £1.75 mint, £1.00 used.
- Black and Carmine-Red (13.5.56): £16.00 mint, £10.00 used.
- Wmk Inverted: £1,500 mint (used price not listed).
- Black and Carmine-Rose (22.1.63): £1.00 mint, £0.70 used.
2 Shilling Sepia and Rose-Carmine (Protectorate Levy)
- Standard Issue: £1.75 mint, £1.00 used.
- Black and Carmine-Red (1.3.56): £16.00 mint, £1.00 used.
- Black and Carmine-Red wmk Inverted: £1,500 used.
- Black and Carmine-Rose (22.1.63): £50.00 mint, £25.00 used.
5 Shilling Sepia and Dull Blue (Crater Pass)
- Standard Issue: £3.50 mint, £1.50 used.
- Varieties:
- Black and Deep Dull Blue (11.4.56): £18.00 mint, £2.50 used.
- Black and Blue (11.12.62): £50.00 mint, £25.00 used.
10 Shilling Sepia and Olive (Tribesman)
- Standard Issue: £4.00 mint, £10.00 used.
- Variety:
- Black and Bronze-Green (20.9.54): £18.00 mint, £2.50 used.
20 Shilling Chocolate and Reddish Lilac (Aden in 1572)
- Standard Issue: £75.00 mint, £10.00 used.
- Varieties:
- Black and Deep Lilac (7.1.57): £70.00 mint, £25.00 used.
- Deep Black and Deep Lilac (14.5.58): £90.00 mint, £35.00 used.
Why This Set is a Collector’s Treasure?
This series is renowned not only for its historical depiction of Aden but also for the numerous varieties and errors that make it a highlight for stamp collectors. The inverted watermarks and color variations are rare and sought-after.