Collection: Syrie Grand Liban Stamps
Explore fiscal and revenue stamps from the French Mandate era. The photographed examples bear “Syrie–Grand Liban,” Arabic inscriptions and surcharges in piastres. Most are marked “Dette Publique” (Public Debt); one blue example is overprinted “Droit Fiscal.” These are collectible fiscal stamps, not ordinary postage stamps.
History of Syrie Grand Liban
After the First World War, the French Mandate administration issued stamps for Syria and Greater Lebanon. French designs and bilingual overprints trace a changing political and administrative landscape in the early 1920s. Postal issues used for mailing and fiscal issues used for taxes or official fees are related historical material but served different purposes.
Frequently asked questions
1. Are these postage stamps?
Most photographed stamps say “Dette Publique,” and the blue example says “Droit Fiscal.” They are fiscal or revenue stamps rather than standard stamps for sending mail.
2. What does “Syrie Grand Liban” mean?
The inscription refers to Syria and Greater Lebanon during the early French Mandate period.
3. What affects the value of a used fiscal stamp?
Identification, scarcity, intact perforations, paper condition, and clear dated fiscal markings can all affect value. A handwritten mark does not itself prove rarity.
4. Should I remove a stamp attached to paper?
Keep it attached until examined: the document or dated mark can add useful historical context.