Iran / Persia year 1900/1910 postage stamps

Iran / Persia year 1900/1910 postage stamps

Iran (formerly known as Persia) issued several notable postage stamp series in the 1900-1910 period, including:

1902 “Lion” Issue:

• Featured a fierce lion design based on the Lion and Sun emblem of Persia
• Denominated in shahi and kran currency
• Printed in Russia using typography on unwatermarked wove paper
• Values from 1sh to 10kr, issued imperforate or perforated

1906 “Coat of Arms” Series:

• Design showed the imperial state coat of arms with lion and sun
• Typography printed in Paris, France by Poure
• Values from 1ch to 10kr, perforated
• Some values inscribed in French currency denominations

1909 “Bismillah” Issue:

• Name derives from the Arabic inscriptional phrase “Bismillah ir Rahman ir Rahim”
• Central vignette of a lion within a floral ornamental frame
• Printed by typography in Belgium on unwatermarked paper
• Values ranging 1ch to 30kr, imperforate

1910 “Ahmad Shah” Definitive Series:

• Portrait of the new Shah of Persia, Ahmad Shah Qajar
• Various designs featuring oval or circular vignettes
• Typography printed, mix of perforated and imperforate values
• Common low values like 1ch to 2kr in multiple color shades

These early 20th century stamp issues showcased the transitioning Iranian postal system and featured iconic Persian symbols like lions and calligraphic inscriptions. While often crudely printed, they are very popular with collectors of Middle Eastern philately. High values and scarce varieties can be quite valuable.