Yemen (Northern / Kingdom / Yemen Arab Republic)
The northern part of Yemen was a kingdom from 1918 onwards, and was then known as Yemen Arab Republic from 1962 until 1990. The south (the Colony and Protectorate of Aden) was under British control until independence, and subsequently became known as the Federation of South Arabia (1962-67), the People's Republic of South Yemen (1967-70), and then as the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (1970). A new constitution to unite north and south was drafted in November 1989, and the united Republic of Yemen was declared on 22nd May 1990.
Listed on this page are stamps for the following states:
- Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen (1918-1962)
- Yemen Arab Republic (1962-1990)
- Republic of Yemen (1990-present)
For stamps inscribed Federation of South Arabia, People's Republic of South Yemen or People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, see under Yemen (Southern / People's Democratic Republic).
Chapter overview
- Airport Tax (catalogue numbers prefixed A)
- Consular (catalogue numbers prefixed C)
- Defence (catalogue numbers prefixed D)
- Excise (catalogue numbers prefixed X)
- Judicial (catalogue numbers prefixed J)
- Passport (catalogue numbers prefixed P)
- Revenue (catalogue numbers prefixed R)
- Sea Departure (catalogue numbers prefixed T)
- Stamp Duty (catalogue numbers prefixed S)
- Stamp paper (catalogue numbers prefixed Z)
- Appendix (catalogue numbers prefixed Y)
Acknowledgments
Grateful thanks to Joe Ross for providing almost all the images shown on the original version of this page, and to Leo Malz and Peter Winders for their significant contributions in terms of new information and images.
Currency
- (1926) 40 bogshas or bogaches (singular bogchah) = 1 imadi (rial)
- (1948) 40 bogaches = 1 ahmadi (rial)
- (1964) 40 bogaches (or buqsha) = 1 rial
- (1975) 100 fils = 1 rial
- Appendix (catalogue numbers prefixed Z)
Airport Tax
A1/2
1971. Aircraft and terminal. Inscribed Air Departure Fee in Arabic and English, with Taxation Department in Arabic above aeroplane. Printed by De La Rue.
A1. 3r rose and pale brown
A2. 10r greenish blue and pale brown
Note: proofs of this issue exist on De La Rue approval cards dated 27/9/71. It is assumed that the stamps were issued later in 1971 or in early 1972.
A1. 3r rose and pale brown
A2. 10r greenish blue and pale brown
Note: proofs of this issue exist on De La Rue approval cards dated 27/9/71. It is assumed that the stamps were issued later in 1971 or in early 1972.
The two stamps illustrated here were discovered in 2024 on an archive sheet from the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, and probably date from around 1970. The 1d value is imperf (a proof or colour trial) but the 5d is gummed and perforated as though ready for issue. I have not seen any other examples and would be grateful to any reader who can supply further information.
A10/11
1980s? Coat of Arms. 27 x 37½ mm. Inscribed Ministry of Communications Department of Civil Aviation Airport Fee. Perf 14 x 15. No watermark.
A10. 2r scarlet
A11. 10r bright blue
A10. 2r scarlet
A11. 10r bright blue
Consular
C1/3
1940s? Consular fee stamps, inscribed Mutawakkalite State of Yemen at top and Consular stamp at foot. Central inscription reads Imam Al-Mutawakkil 'ala Allah Yahya bin Mohammed, may Allah protect him. 38 x 22½ mm. Perf 12½. Wmk Multiple YG (=Yemen Government) and the corresponding Arabic letters ي ج (sideways). Printed by Waterlow.
C1. 5b dull purple
C2. 10b black
C3. 20b bluish slate
C1. 5b dull purple
C2. 10b black
C3. 20b bluish slate
C1 printer's sample in unissued colour
Notes:
1. The date of issue is likely to be no later than 1948, since the Imam named in the central inscription was assassinated on 17th February of that year.
2. The example of C3 illustrated above shows an unidentified purple cachet which may be a cancel or an overprint. If it is the latter, I assume it also exists without.
3. The 5b also exists as a Waterlow printer's sample in orange-brown as illustrated here.
4. The 5b and 10b are also known (in issued colours) with Royalist overprints, as shown below. These are postage stamps and are listed by Gibbons as SG R58b and R38/a.
1. The date of issue is likely to be no later than 1948, since the Imam named in the central inscription was assassinated on 17th February of that year.
2. The example of C3 illustrated above shows an unidentified purple cachet which may be a cancel or an overprint. If it is the latter, I assume it also exists without.
3. The 5b also exists as a Waterlow printer's sample in orange-brown as illustrated here.
4. The 5b and 10b are also known (in issued colours) with Royalist overprints, as shown below. These are postage stamps and are listed by Gibbons as SG R58b and R38/a.
Postage stamp provisionals (SG R58b and R38/a)
C4/8
1972 (earliest recorded usage). Coat of Arms. 40 x 22½ mm (1b to 20b) or 22½ x 40 mm (1r and 3r). Inscribed (in Arabic) Yemen Arab Republic at top and Consular Affairs Fee Stamp at foot. Perf 13½. No watermark.
C4. 1b greenish blue
C5. 3b deep violet
C6. 20b red-brown
C7. 1r red-brown and blue-black
C8. 3r black and red-brown
C4. 1b greenish blue
C5. 3b deep violet
C6. 20b red-brown
C7. 1r red-brown and blue-black
C8. 3r black and red-brown
C9/14
1972-83 (see footnote). Smaller format designs incorporating leaves or fruit, with same inscriptions as on previous issue. 21½ x 14 mm and perf 13½ x 13 (10b and 20b) or 14 x 21½ mm and perf 13 x 13½ (1r to 10r). No wmk. Printed by De La Rue. Central panel with white background.
C9. 10b violet and bright green
C10. 20b violet and brown
C11. 1r claret and yellow-olive
C12. 3r claret and bright green
C13. 5r claret and reddish purple
C14. 10r claret and greenish slate
Note: The 1r and 3r exist as proofs on De La Rue approval cards (ref 573/6 and 12) dated 15 June 1972, and were presumably issued later the same year. Recorded usage of the other values is as follows: 10b (1983), 20b (1980-83), 5r (1977), 10r (1981-85).
C9. 10b violet and bright green
C10. 20b violet and brown
C11. 1r claret and yellow-olive
C12. 3r claret and bright green
C13. 5r claret and reddish purple
C14. 10r claret and greenish slate
Note: The 1r and 3r exist as proofs on De La Rue approval cards (ref 573/6 and 12) dated 15 June 1972, and were presumably issued later the same year. Recorded usage of the other values is as follows: 10b (1983), 20b (1980-83), 5r (1977), 10r (1981-85).
C20, C21/a, C22/a
1983-90. As previous issue but central panel now with security background of Arabic script. Perf 12½ x 12.
C20. 1r claret and olive
C21. 5r claret and reddish purple
a. Perf 13½ x 13
C22. 10r claret and greenish slate
a. Perf 13½ x 13
Notes:
1. Proofs of all three values exist on a De La Rue approval card (ref 337/6, 12 and 18) dated 14 April 1983. It is assumed that the stamps were issued later the same year.
2. The perf 13½ x 13 stamps (C21/22a) are first recorded used in September 1990. They are slightly narrower than C20/22.
C20. 1r claret and olive
C21. 5r claret and reddish purple
a. Perf 13½ x 13
C22. 10r claret and greenish slate
a. Perf 13½ x 13
Notes:
1. Proofs of all three values exist on a De La Rue approval card (ref 337/6, 12 and 18) dated 14 April 1983. It is assumed that the stamps were issued later the same year.
2. The perf 13½ x 13 stamps (C21/22a) are first recorded used in September 1990. They are slightly narrower than C20/22.
C31
2000 (recorded usage). Issue for United Yemen. Revenue stamp of Yemen Arab Republic (perf 12) overprinted Consular Stamp in Arabic, with bars cancelling Revenue and Arab in the country name.
C31. 10r deep green and slate-blue
C31. 10r deep green and slate-blue
C41/47
2005 (earliest recorded usage). 13 x 25 mm. Inscribed Yemen Republic in Arabic. Self-adhesive with machine-cut rouletting. Curved security punctures across design to prevent re-use.
a) Inscribed Local Consular Fee in Arabic above Arms, value in Yemeni currency
C41. 50r blue, black and red
C42. 100r green, black and red
b) Inscribed External Consular Fee in Arabic above Arms, value in US currency
C46. $20 brown-orange, black and red
C47. $30 yellow, black and red
a) Inscribed Local Consular Fee in Arabic above Arms, value in Yemeni currency
C41. 50r blue, black and red
C42. 100r green, black and red
b) Inscribed External Consular Fee in Arabic above Arms, value in US currency
C46. $20 brown-orange, black and red
C47. $30 yellow, black and red
Defence
D1/2 and D2 specimen
c1956. Soldier with flag of the Kingdom of Yemen. 26 x 37½ mm. Inscribed Royaume Al Moutawakkiliyyah du Yemen / Défense in French plus equivalent in Arabic. Printed (photo) by the Italian Government Printing Works, Rome. Perf 14. Wmk winged wheel.
D1. 5b slate-black
D2. 2½a sepia
Note: D2 can be found with diagonal Saggio (=Specimen) overprint as shown here.
D1. 5b slate-black
D2. 2½a sepia
Note: D2 can be found with diagonal Saggio (=Specimen) overprint as shown here.
Excise
X1/3
1968-83. Labels stuck on cigarette packs to indicate the payment of tobacco duty. Arabic script on patterned background. 17 x 41 mm (X1) or 17 x 44 mm (X2/3). Imperf. No wmk. Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson.
a) 1968: Inscribed Yemen Arab Republic Customs Department Tax Free
[X1. (No value) blue and black]
b) c1975: Network patterned background, inscribed Yemen Arab Republic Ministry of Finance Department of Taxes 5 fils
X2. 5f blue
b) 1983: Inscription as X2 but now with security background of Arabic script
[X3. 5f blue]
Notes:
1. No issued examples of X1 or X3 have been recorded to date. The only known examples are the printer's proofs illustrated above. Each proof is mounted on an approval card with a dated signature to show when the designs were approved for printing. The cards are dated 1st August 1968 for X1 and 22nd March 1983 for X3.
2. The date of issue for X2 is not known but it presumably must be no earlier than 1975, since it was in this year that the currency changed from bogaches to fils.
a) 1968: Inscribed Yemen Arab Republic Customs Department Tax Free
[X1. (No value) blue and black]
b) c1975: Network patterned background, inscribed Yemen Arab Republic Ministry of Finance Department of Taxes 5 fils
X2. 5f blue
b) 1983: Inscription as X2 but now with security background of Arabic script
[X3. 5f blue]
Notes:
1. No issued examples of X1 or X3 have been recorded to date. The only known examples are the printer's proofs illustrated above. Each proof is mounted on an approval card with a dated signature to show when the designs were approved for printing. The cards are dated 1st August 1968 for X1 and 22nd March 1983 for X3.
2. The date of issue for X2 is not known but it presumably must be no earlier than 1975, since it was in this year that the currency changed from bogaches to fils.
The imperforate label illustrated here is probably not a true excise revenue stamp though it seems to have been issued by the Yemeni Ministry of Finance. It measures 44 x 22 mm and depicts a coffee plant, with the inscription Department of Taxes Domestic Product. It may have been issued as a quality assurance label.
Judicial
J1/7 (no better image currently available)
1972. Koran, scales of justice and Yemeni arms. Inscribed (in Arabic) Yemen Arab Republic at top and Judicial Fee Stamp at foot, with The Noble Koran across the pages of the book. Printed by De La Rue. Arms, book and inscriptions in green; background colours given.
J6
J1. 2b salmon
J2. 4b deep violet
J3. 5b olive
J4. ¼r violet
J5. ½r blue
J6. 1r reddish lilac
J7. 10r brownish rose
Note: a proof of the 10r exists on a De La Rue approval card (ref 537/30) dated 12/5/72. It is assumed that the whole set was issued later that year.
J2. 4b deep violet
J3. 5b olive
J4. ¼r violet
J5. ½r blue
J6. 1r reddish lilac
J7. 10r brownish rose
Note: a proof of the 10r exists on a De La Rue approval card (ref 537/30) dated 12/5/72. It is assumed that the whole set was issued later that year.
Passport
P1/2
c1956. Flag of the Kingdom of Yemen. 37 x 28 mm. Inscribed Royaume Al Moutawakkiliyyah du Yemen / Passeports in French plus equivalent in Arabic. Printed (photo) by the Italian Government Printing Works, Rome. Perf 14. Wmk winged wheel.
P1. 5b deep brown
P2. 1a grey-black
P1. 5b deep brown
P2. 1a grey-black
Revenue
R1/4
1972-83 (recorded usage). Geometric patterns. 18 x 22 mm and perf 11½ x 11 (5b and 10b), 21 x 26½ mm and perf 11½ (20b), 1r larger. Inscribed damgha (=revenue) at foot (20b) or in centre (others). No watermark.
R1. 5b deep brown and olive-brown
R2. 10b bright blue and pale blue
R3. 20b bright green, grey-green and deep blue
R4. 1r black and grey-green
Notes:
1. These stamps were almost certainly printed by the Egyptian Postal Authority Press, since they are very similar in format and design to Egyptian revenues of the 1960s-70s.
2. Recorded usage: 10b (1980-82), 20b (1980-83), 1r (1972). It is possible that these stamps were issued later than R11/12a.
R1. 5b deep brown and olive-brown
R2. 10b bright blue and pale blue
R3. 20b bright green, grey-green and deep blue
R4. 1r black and grey-green
Notes:
1. These stamps were almost certainly printed by the Egyptian Postal Authority Press, since they are very similar in format and design to Egyptian revenues of the 1960s-70s.
2. Recorded usage: 10b (1980-82), 20b (1980-83), 1r (1972). It is possible that these stamps were issued later than R11/12a.
R6 and R8
1981 (recorded usage). Arms of the Republic and geometric pattern. 22 x 27½ mm. Inscribed damgha yemenia (=Yemeni revenue) at foot. Perf 13½ x 14. No watermark.
R6. 5b deep green
R8. 20b red-orange
Recorded usage: 20b (June 1981).
R6. 5b deep green
R8. 20b red-orange
Recorded usage: 20b (June 1981).
R11/a/b, R12/a and R12b with Consular overprint (see footnote 2)
1971. Arms of the Republic. 21½ x 26½ mm. Inscribed Yemen Arab Republic at top, with Revenue in Arabic and English below Arms. Perf 13½. No watermark. Printed by De La Rue.
R11. 5r pale blue and reddish purple
a. Perf 13 x 13½
b. Perf 12
R12. 10r deep green and slate-blue
a. Perf 13 x 13½
[b. Perf 12]
Notes:
1. Proofs of both values exist on De La Rue approval cards (ref 367/5 and 11) dated 2 August 1971. It is assumed that the stamps were issued later the same year. The 10r perf 13 x 13½ is known used in 1991 and the 5r perf 12 in 1995-98.
2. I have not yet seen R12b without overprint, though I presume it exists since this stamp was overprinted as a Consular stamp for the United Republic of Yemen - see C31 above.
3. Recorded usage: R12a (1991), R11b (1998)
R11. 5r pale blue and reddish purple
a. Perf 13 x 13½
b. Perf 12
R12. 10r deep green and slate-blue
a. Perf 13 x 13½
[b. Perf 12]
Notes:
1. Proofs of both values exist on De La Rue approval cards (ref 367/5 and 11) dated 2 August 1971. It is assumed that the stamps were issued later the same year. The 10r perf 13 x 13½ is known used in 1991 and the 5r perf 12 in 1995-98.
2. I have not yet seen R12b without overprint, though I presume it exists since this stamp was overprinted as a Consular stamp for the United Republic of Yemen - see C31 above.
3. Recorded usage: R12a (1991), R11b (1998)
R21, R24, R24a
1983 (recorded usage). Coat of Arms and leaves. 12½ x 20½ mm. Inscribed (in Arabic) Yemen Arab Republic at top and Revenue at foot. No watermark. Printed by De La Rue.
a) White background behind Arms and leaves, perf 14
R21. 50f green
b) Background of Arabic script behind Arms and leaves, lower panel as R21 but slightly redrawn, perf 13 x 13½
R24. 50f green
a. Perf 12
Notes:
1. A proof similar to R24/a but in olive-green exists on a De La Rue approval card (ref 337/24) dated 14 April 1983. It is assumed that the stamp was issued later the same year, with R21 issued earlier.
2. Recorded usage: 1983 (R21).
a) White background behind Arms and leaves, perf 14
R21. 50f green
b) Background of Arabic script behind Arms and leaves, lower panel as R21 but slightly redrawn, perf 13 x 13½
R24. 50f green
a. Perf 12
Notes:
1. A proof similar to R24/a but in olive-green exists on a De La Rue approval card (ref 337/24) dated 14 April 1983. It is assumed that the stamp was issued later the same year, with R21 issued earlier.
2. Recorded usage: 1983 (R21).
Sea Departure
T1/3
1971. Ship and and terminal. Inscribed Sea Departure Fee in Arabic and English. Printed by De La Rue.
T1. 2r ultramarine and orange
T2. 3r ultramarine and deep green
T3. 5r ultramarine and bright purple
T1. 2r ultramarine and orange
T2. 3r ultramarine and deep green
T3. 5r ultramarine and bright purple
Stamp Duty
S1
|
 Imperf stamps as S1 (status uncertain - see footnote) |
c1940s. Arms of the Kingdom of Yemen. 25 x 39 mm. Inscribed Stamp Duty in English and Arabic. Perf 13. No watermark.
S1. 5b carmine
Note: three values in this design are known as imperforate stamps on coloured paper (see illustration above right). It is not known whether these are proofs, issued stamps or bogus productions.
S1. 5b carmine
Note: three values in this design are known as imperforate stamps on coloured paper (see illustration above right). It is not known whether these are proofs, issued stamps or bogus productions.
S11/16
1975-81 (recorded usage). Coat of Arms and fruit. Four different sizes: 16½ x 22½ mm (2b), 22 x 27 mm (5b), 22 x 31½ mm (10b and 20b), 22½ x 37 mm (1r and 3r). Inscribed tabi' maliy (=stamp duty). Perf 13½ (2b to 20b) or 13½ x 13 (others). No watermark. Printed by De La Rue.
S11. 2b violet, blue-green and bright green
S12. 5b green and black
S13. 10b bright blue and green
S14. 20b brown-orange and green
S15. 1r bluish lilac and black
S16. 3r purple and black
Notes:
1. For S12 imperf see Z1 (stamp paper) below. It seems likely that S11/16 were issued around the same time as Z1 though no usage is recorded before 1975.
2. Recorded usage: 20b (1980), 1r (1979-81), 3r (1975).
S11. 2b violet, blue-green and bright green
S12. 5b green and black
S13. 10b bright blue and green
S14. 20b brown-orange and green
S15. 1r bluish lilac and black
S16. 3r purple and black
Notes:
1. For S12 imperf see Z1 (stamp paper) below. It seems likely that S11/16 were issued around the same time as Z1 though no usage is recorded before 1975.
2. Recorded usage: 20b (1980), 1r (1979-81), 3r (1975).
S21 and S26
c1980-90. Coat of Arms and leaves. 13 x 22 mm. Inscribed (in Arabic) Yemen Arab Republic at top and Stamp Duty at foot. No watermark.
a) White background to central panel, perf 12½ x 12
S21. 1r blue
b) Background of Arabic script behind Arms and leaves, perf about 14 (earliest recorded usage 1998)
S26. 1r deep blue
a) White background to central panel, perf 12½ x 12
S21. 1r blue
b) Background of Arabic script behind Arms and leaves, perf about 14 (earliest recorded usage 1998)
S26. 1r deep blue
1995 (earliest recorded usage). New issue for united Yemen. Similar to previous issue with Arabic script background, but top inscription now changed to Republic of Yemen. 13 x 22 mm. No watermark.
S31/34
a) Roulette 13
S31. 1r reddish purple
S32. 1r green
S33. 2r reddish purple
S34. 2r green
S31. 1r reddish purple
S32. 1r green
S33. 2r reddish purple
S34. 2r green
S40/44
b) Perf 12½ x 13
S40. 1r magenta
S41. 1r green
S42. 2r magenta
S43. 2r green
S44. 2r purple-brown
Notes:
1. S42/44 all seem to have been on sale simultaneously, which suggests that the different colours relate to purpose rather than successive issues. Further information would be welcomed.
2. Earliest recorded usage: 1995 (S31 and S33).
S40. 1r magenta
S41. 1r green
S42. 2r magenta
S43. 2r green
S44. 2r purple-brown
Notes:
1. S42/44 all seem to have been on sale simultaneously, which suggests that the different colours relate to purpose rather than successive issues. Further information would be welcomed.
2. Earliest recorded usage: 1995 (S31 and S33).
Stamp paper
Z1 (detail)
1972. 212 x 315 mm sheet with printed impression similar to S12 (Coat of Arms and fruit) measuring 21 x 26 mm. No watermark. Printed by De La Rue.
Z1. 5b green and black
Note: Z1 is currently recorded only as printer's archive material with SPECIMEN perfin. The specimen sheets (several examples are known) are handstamped with the date 22 SEP 1972 on reverse, suggesting an issue date of late 1972 or early 1973.
Z1. 5b green and black
Note: Z1 is currently recorded only as printer's archive material with SPECIMEN perfin. The specimen sheets (several examples are known) are handstamped with the date 22 SEP 1972 on reverse, suggesting an issue date of late 1972 or early 1973.
Appendix
The issues in this section are not revenue stamps but do not qualify for full listing elsewhere as postage stamps, so are noted here for the interest of collectors.
The issues in this section are not revenue stamps but do not qualify for full listing elsewhere as postage stamps, so are noted here for the interest of collectors.
Y1/3
c1947. Imam Yahya's palaces. Inscribed Mutawakkalite Kingdom of Yemen in Arabic at top and Yemen in English at foot. Printed (recess) by Institut de Gravure, Paris. Perf 12½. No watermark.
Y1. 10b carmine
Y2. 20b purple-brown
Y3. 1i black
Note: these three values are footnoted by Stanley Gibbons (after SG 58/64) as unissued postage stamps emanating from stocks looted from Government stores during the 1948 revolution.
Two die proofs are shown below: a master die in ultramarine for the 10b and 20b without figures of value, and of the 1i in black. In addition the set of 3 is known with a diagonal overprint FREE YEMEN FIGHTS FOR GOD, IMAM & COUNTRY in Arabic and English.
Y1. 10b carmine
Y2. 20b purple-brown
Y3. 1i black
Note: these three values are footnoted by Stanley Gibbons (after SG 58/64) as unissued postage stamps emanating from stocks looted from Government stores during the 1948 revolution.
Two die proofs are shown below: a master die in ultramarine for the 10b and 20b without figures of value, and of the 1i in black. In addition the set of 3 is known with a diagonal overprint FREE YEMEN FIGHTS FOR GOD, IMAM & COUNTRY in Arabic and English.
Set of three overprinted 'Free Yemen Fights' etc
Y4/8
c1956. Bab al-Yemen Gate, Sana'a. Inscribed Royaume Al Moutawakkiliyyah du Yemen / Timbre Gouvernemental in French plus equivalent in Arabic. Printed (photo) by the Italian Government Printing Works, Rome. Perf 14. Wmk winged wheel.
Y4. 1b pale brown
Y5. 5b turquoise-blue
Y6. 10b blue
Y7. 20b rose-red
Y8. 1a magenta
Notes:
1. The 1b, 5b and 10b values of this set are listed by Stanley Gibbons (SG 105a/c) as 'unissued official stamps issued for ordinary postal use without surcharge'. The status of the top two values is unknown.
2. The 20b value is known with a diagonal Saggio (=Specimen) overprint.
Y4. 1b pale brown
Y5. 5b turquoise-blue
Y6. 10b blue
Y7. 20b rose-red
Y8. 1a magenta
Notes:
1. The 1b, 5b and 10b values of this set are listed by Stanley Gibbons (SG 105a/c) as 'unissued official stamps issued for ordinary postal use without surcharge'. The status of the top two values is unknown.
2. The 20b value is known with a diagonal Saggio (=Specimen) overprint.
