Kingdom of Iraq issues in demand

Tip of the Week — By Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

Known as Mesopotamia (the land between the rivers), Iraq was home to the ancient civilizations of Sumer and Akkad before being conquered and absorbed by the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians.

It was conquered by the Arabs in the seventh century, overrun by the Mongols in the 14th century and by Tamerlane in the 15th century.

In the 17th century, it was conquered by and became a province of the Ottoman Empire. 

The British created the State of Iraq as a League of Nations mandate under King Faisal I after World War I. It became the independent Kingdom of Iraq in 1932. In 1958, the Ba’athists, an Arab nationalist and socialist party, overthrew and murdered King Faisal II and established the Republic of Iraq.

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Demand is strong for issues of the Kingdom of Iraq. Many sets are selling for full 2019 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue value in fine-very fine grade and unused hinged condition. Examples in very fine grade and in mint never-hinged condition bring sizeable premiums.

Look for the first definitive set of 13 (Scott 1-13) issued 1923-25. We last tipped this set in the Stamp Market Tips column in the Dec. 15, 2014, issue of Linn’s, and it is still in strong demand. 

The set is a good buy in F-VF grade and unused hinged condition at or near the Scott catalog value of $229.50.