Persia / Iran Postage Stamps

Iran / Persia has one of the richest philatelic histories in the world, spanning over 150 years. Here’s an overview:

Early Qajar Era (1868–1906)
The first Persian stamps were issued in 1868 under Shah Naser al-Din, featuring the imperial lion-and-sun (Shir o Khorshid) emblem. These early lithographed issues are among the most sought-after by collectors, with the very first stamps printed in Tehran in crude but charming style. Forgeries of these early issues are extremely common, making genuine examples especially valuable.
Constitutional & Later Qajar Period (1906–1925)
Stamps became more refined, often depicting the reigning Shah or elaborate Persian architectural motifs. The Ahmed Shah issues of the 1910s–20s are popular with collectors for their ornate designs.
Pahlavi Dynasty (1925–1979)
Under Reza Shah and later Mohammad Reza Shah, Iranian stamps became highly artistic — featuring:

Royal portraits
Ancient Persian ruins (Persepolis, Pasargadae)
Persian New Year (Nowruz) themes
Definitives with the lion-and-sun

The 1971 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire set is considered a highlight of 20th-century philately.
Islamic Republic (1979–present)
After the revolution, the lion-and-sun was replaced with Islamic motifs, calligraphy, revolutionary themes, and commemoratives marking events like the Iran-Iraq War, Palestinian solidarity, and scientific achievements. Modern issues are often colorful and topical.