Iran — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

The Post of the Islamic Republic of Iran (اداره کل پست ایران) is Iran’s national postal operator. Iran (historically Persia) has one of the Middle East’s richest and most historically complex philatelic traditions, with stamps spanning the Qajar dynasty (1868–1925), the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979), and the Islamic Republic (1979–present). The 1979 Islamic Revolution produced an extraordinary philatelic rupture: the overthrow of the Shah and the replacement of imperial imagery with revolutionary iconography — one of philately’s most dramatic ideological transitions.

Notable Stamp Issues

Persia’s first stamps in 1868 depicted the Lion and Sun — the ancient Iranian national emblem — in an elaborate engraving. The Qajar Shah portrait stamps of the 1870s–1920s are classically beautiful. The 1876 definitives with the Shah’s portrait are prized collector items. Pahlavi dynasty stamps (1925–1979) document Iranian modernisation under Reza Shah and Mohammed Reza Shah. The 1979 revolution stamps overprinted or defaced with the Shah’s image removed are unique philatelic documents of revolutionary ideology. Post-revolution stamps depict Ayatollah Khomeini, revolutionary martyrs, and anti-Western themes.

Collecting Tips

Scott Asia catalogue covers Persian and Iranian stamps. Persian classic stamps (1868–1900) require specialist knowledge — the Scott catalogue notes many forgeries of scarce issues. The Lion and Sun motif across its many design iterations is a specialist study area. Revolutionary overprints (1979–1980) defacing Shah-era stamps are historically significant. The Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) produced extensive military and martyrdom commemoratives. Post-revolution Iranian stamps on Islamic architecture and natural heritage are well-produced.

Part of the Asia Postal Directory.