Famous People – 1st Series – 1971
On 18 October 1971 Dubai issued the first set of four stamps depicting famous people. The values were 60dh, 1rl, 1.25rls and 3rls.
Commemorative
1971 Definitive Surcharge
The 5 Baizas denomination ran into shortage in late 1971 and it was decided to overprint the 3 Baizas 1966 definitive stamp with 5 Baizas and “Sultanate of Oman”.
In all, 677 sheets, each of 240 stamp, of the old original 1966 3b value (which had been in cold storage) were surchage with "5" and "Sultanate of Oman".
The stamps were issued to post office counters in November 1971 and lasted until the end of February 1972. The exact date of issue is not known.
1971 Definitive Surcharge - Plate Error
Several plate errors can be found in the sheet of the 5 Baizas overprint. The “blob” in the “N” in “Sultanate” is one of the more clear examples.
Definitive
25th Anniversary of United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) – 1971
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of UNICEF Qatar issued a set of eight stamps depicting various illustrations relating to children, The values issued were: 1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D, 35D, 75 Dirhams and 3 Riyals.
Commemorative
The 5 Fils Surcharge on 50 Fils Provisional Issue – 1971 - Final
The provisional issue of the 5 Fils stamp was necessary to meet the seasonal demand for the local greeting cards and the stamp was only on sale from the 8th to 18th of December 1971, when further supplies of the 5 Fils stamp from the 4th definitive issue arrived from the printer in the U.K.
A total of 75.000 copies of the 50 Fils stamps were overprinted with 5 Fils and put on sale and these stamps bridged the gap of the 10 days before they were withdrawn and the remainder of the balance destroyed. Though the stamps were only on sale for a short period many stamps were sold to philatelist, especially from Europe, who saw a possibility for a quick profit. This run on the stamp almost created a second shortage according to the then Post Master, H.W.Wynn.
Definitive
The 5 Fils Surcharge on 50 Fils Provisional Issue – Albino Error - 1971
The provisional issue of the 5 Fils stamp was necessary to meet the seasonal demand for the local greeting cards and the stamp was only on sale from the 8th to 18th of December 1971, when further supplies of the 5 Fils stamp from the 4th definitive issue arrived from the printer in the U.K.
Some of the stamps were overprinted without the ink and only an impression of the overprint is seen on the stamp - the so-called ALBINO.
How many of these stamps exist is difficult to judge as they have been perceived as rare but following recent auctions and discoveries it must be several sheets at least.
Definitive
The 5 Fils Surcharge on 50 Fils Provisional Issue – Double Overprint - 1971
The provisional issue of the 5 Fils stamp was necessary to meet the seasonal demand for the local greeting cards and the stamp was only on sale from the 8th to 18th of December 1971, when further supplies of the 5 Fils stamp from the 4th definitive issue arrived from the printer in the U.K.
A double overprint is found which is much scarcer than the Albino. To date the webmaster has only seen one block of 4 of the error which currently leads to the presumption that only one sheet exists - i.e. 25 or 50 stamps.
How many of these stamps exist is difficult to judge as they have been perceived as rare but following recent auctions and discoveries it must be several sheets at least.
Definitive
The 5 Fils Surcharge on 50 Fils Provisional Issue – FIRS Variety - 1971
There is a constant flaw in the overprint of pane 1C which may or may not appear in the other panes. It is found in the bottom row of the sheet in position 2.
It shows the Arabic "WA" missing the full circle which turns it in to a "RA" instead.
Definitive
The 5 Fils Surcharge on 50 Fils Provisional Issue – 1971 - Trial
With a looming crisis due to a shortage of the 5 Fils stamp Nitco Printing Press of Abu Dhabi was asked to execute the overprinting. Having decided on a green overprint the first trial was made. However, it soon turned out that the trial print had produced a faded green colour, which not only did not cover the original denomination but the green could also be rubbed of. The Post Master could of course not accept this overprint so the printer was given instructions to produce an overprint of the appropriate quality. The initial overprints were scrapped and there is no evidence suggesting that they were ever sold at the counter. A few examples of the first trial print escaped the destruction and were given out to collectors and are known as the “Trial Print” pieces.
Definitive
Regional Sport Tournament – 1971
On the occasion of a regional sports tournament taking place in Kuwait a set of two stamps was released. The issued values were 20 Fils and 30 Fils.
25th Anniversary of UNICEF – 1971
On 11 December 1971 Dubai issued a set of three stamps commemorating the 25th anniversary of UNICEF. The values were 60dh, 1rl and 5rls.
Commemorative
Bahrain Independence Day - 1971
A commemorative set of 4 stamps issued on the occasion of the Bahrain’s Independence Day. The issue also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the accession of the Emir, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
The date for independence is the 15th of August 1971 whereas the date for the Emir’s accession to the throne is the 16th of December 1961.
The values issued were: 30 Fils, 60 Fils, 120 Fils and 150 Fils.
Commemorative
25th anniversary of UNICEF - 1971
A commemorative stamp bearing a picture of a child reading a school book with the UNICEF emblem in the background. 25 baiza per stamp went as a contribution for child care.
Commemorative
International Book Year – 1972
To celebrate the International Book Year in 1972 Kuwait issued a set of two stamps. The values issued were 20 Fils and 45 Fils.
Independence – 1972
To celebrate the establishment of Qatar as an independent state in 1971 a set of 4 stamps was issued in early 1972. The values issued were: 35D, 75D, 1.25 Rupee and 3 Rupees.
Commemorative
Bahrain’s membership of the Arab League and the U.N. – 1972
A commemorative set of 4 stamps issued on the occasion of the Bahrain’s entry into the Arab League and the United Nations. The values issued were: 30 Fils, 60 Fils, 120 Fils and 150 Fils.
