1866 - Egypt's #2

Joining my collection this week is this Egypt #2 stamp issued in 1866.

Fujeira Set

This set has everything! I already covered a couple of the stamps in earlier posts but I have now obtained the full set of mint stamps and I thought I would share them with you.

So why did I say this set had everything? Well, first of all, these are really nice, big, colourful stamps which are always an asset to a collection even though they are actually of low value.

But then, in this single set, I also get the Ancient Egyptian theme and my three principal topics: Queen Nefertiti, the Nubian Monuments and the Egyptian Earlies. OK, I admit that last one is a bit of a cheat because it's only commemorating the centenary of the first stamp but still...

So now for the details:

• SG 57 Bust of Queen Nefertiti
• SG 58 Colossi of Abu Simbel
• SG 59 Tutankhamun's Mask
• SG 60 Sphinx of Giza
• SG 61 Statues of Prince Rahotep and his wife Princess Nofret
• SG 62 Ancient Church
• SG 63 Colonnade of the Great Temple of Isis at Philae
• SG 64 Nile Sphinxes
• SG 65 Pyramids of Giza

• SG MS66 Mini Souvenir Sheet showing SG 64 and 65 as well as the Penny Black and the first Egyptian Stamp

1866 -1966, Centenary of the First Egyptian Stamp

In 1966, Egypt celebrated the centenary of its first stamps. The souvenir sheet above (SG MS873) was issued, depicting the two highest values of the set, #6 and #7.

Fujeira also issued a commemorative set for the Stamp Centenary Exhibition in Cairo. This souvenir sheet (SG MS66) depicts both Egypt and Britain's number 1 (the Penny Black) as well as the two highest values from Fujeira.

1866 - Egypt's #7

And finally... roll of the drums... here's the highest value of the lot, the 10pi Slate. This one's worth £275 in mint condition or a bargain £250 if you find a used one.

Referring to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue, Part 19, 6th Edition, it is interesting to note that these first Egyptian stamps were actually printed in Genoa, Italy by the Pellas Brothers. They (the stamps, not the Brothers!) are overprinted in Turkish, the lowest group of characters showing the stamp value.

And why, you may ask, are Egyptian stamps overprinted in Turkish? Well, that's because Egypt became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1517 and remained more or less under Turkish rule until Mohammed Ali became governor in 1805. He established a dynasty of governors with only nominal allegiance to the Sultan of Turkey until 1914.

1866 - Egypt's #6

Number 6 in the series is the 5pi Rose.

Now you're starting to talk serious money. The could-buy-you-a-short-break-in-Barcelona kind of money. Or dinner for two at a posh restaurant. Is it worth it? Well, you make up your own mind...

1866 - Egypt's #5

A new addition to my collection, here's the fifth stamp in the 1866 series, the 2pi Yellow.

In mint condition, it's worth around £90 and even used, it is still £42!! As usual, there are different varieties in existence which attract even more money.

1866 - Egypt's #4

The 1pi, Claret - added to my collection just this morning :¬).
This is the only one of the series without a watermark.

1866 - Egypt's #3

Now, this one's mine! It's the #3, 20para, Pale Blue.

It's in beautiful condition, mint with no gum and is apparently worth around £70. It has a watermark in the shape of a pyramid with a shining sun at the summit. I paid only a few ££ for it but it's the prize of my collection.

1866 - Egypt's #2

This one is #2, 10para, Brown, worth £55 mint or £29 used, as here.

Not yet part of my collection either...

1866 - Egypt's First Stamp

This is it! Egypt's first stamp, the 5 para Grey.

Although it doesn't quite fit into my original "egyptology" theme, I find the arabesque design really appealing so decided recently to include it in my collection. Unfortunately I do not have that one but in time...

According to my source (Stanley Gibbons Catalogue Part 19, 6th Edition), in mint condition, this stamp is worth £42 (£27 for a used one). There are different variants such as imperforates or with different perfs and watermarks but I will keep it simple and not go into such details.