Jordan — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Jordan Post (البريد الأردني) is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s postal operator. Jordan’s philatelic history begins with the Emirate of Transjordan’s 1920 first stamps — British stamps overprinted in Arabic — and continues through the Hashemite Kingdom’s independent issues from 1946. Jordan occupies some of the Middle East’s most historically significant territory, including Petra (the rose-red Nabataean city carved into rock cliffs), Wadi Rum (the desert landscape), and the ancient Decapolis cities. These archaeological and natural wonders dominate Jordan’s stamp programme.

Notable Stamp Issues

Transjordan’s first stamps in 1920 were British E.E.F. (Egyptian Expeditionary Force) stamps overprinted in Arabic — documents of the post-WWI Middle East settlement. Subsequent Transjordan issues depicted the Emir Abdullah. Hashemite Kingdom stamps from 1946 introduced more elaborate designs. Petra appears on many Jordanian definitives — the Treasury (Khazneh) and Royal Tombs being most common subjects. Wadi Rum desert landscape stamps are popular with geological and adventure travel collectors. Modern Jordanian stamps feature King Abdullah II and the dead sea.

Collecting Tips

Scott Asia catalogue covers Jordanian stamps. Transjordan overprints (1920–1930) require specialist study — many varieties and overprint settings exist. Palestine stamps used in the West Bank (under Jordanian administration 1948–1967) are a related specialist area. Petra stamps are popular with archaeology and UNESCO heritage thematic collectors. Wadi Rum stamps attract desert landscape and adventure sport collectors. Jordan’s annual stamp programme is modest and well-catalogued.

Part of the Asia Postal Directory.