Denominations: paras (pa), millièmes (m), piastres (p), Egyptian pound (£E)

Until 1888: 40pa = 1p. After 1888: 10m = 1p, 100p = £E1.

Official Stamps, January 1, 1893, to present

This original issue of 1893 was intended for franking all inland governmental mail with a single stamp per item, irrespective of the nominal postage rate. It is known by collectors as the "no value" stamp.

The "no value" stamp was replaced by others with nominated values and departmental handstamps with franking value. Remaining stocks were overprinted 1, 2, 3 and 5 PT (piastres) with values in English and Arabic. These stamps were used as fiscals.

The above example shows the use, with other fiscals, to pay duties for a visa in a passport.

Covers with the "no value" stamp are found, but are far from common.

In 1907, 1914, 1915 and 1922 normal definitive stamps were overprinted for official use with O.H.H.S (On His Highness's Service) and the equivalent in Arabic. The Arabic varied mainly in the first letter from the right. The 1907 issue formed six values: 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, 1p and 5p; in 1914 five, 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m and 5m; in 1915 three, 2m, 4m, 5m; and in 1922 four, 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m. These latter were used on the DLR pictorial issues of 1914. In 1913 a single value, 5m, was overprinted with O.H.H.S. in English alone. This stamp is also found, very rarely, with the overprint in inverted commas.

In October 1922, a new overprint, O.H.E.M.S. (On His Egyptian Majesty's Service), and Arabic equivalent, was used to mark the proclamation of the kingdom. Overprinted on pictorial stamps, this issue comprised 11 values: 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 10m, 15m (two versions), 20m, 50m, 100m and 200m. The all-Arabic issue of 1923-24 was overprinted in Arabic only for Official use in 1924-15. Eight values: 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 10m, 15m, 50m.

In 1966 a new design based on the eagle of Saladin with the two star flag of the UAR in the CENTRE. A new eagle set was issued in 1972 with the two stars removed and the eagle facing right. In the 1972 issue the eagle was again set facing to the left and now using piastres instead of millièmes in a design which is still in use today. This was originally 20m x 25mm but [DELETE BUT] on unwatermarked paper but in 1991 WAS REISSUED at 18 x 22mm on Large Eagle watermarked paper.

In 1966 a new design based on the eagle of Saladin with the two star flag of the UAR in the center. A new eagle set was issued in 1972 with the two stars removed and the eagle facing right. In the 1972 issue the eagle was again set facing to the left and now using piastres instead of millièmes in a design which is still in use today. This was originally 20m x 25mm but on unwatermarked paper but in 1991 wasc issued 18 x 22mm on Large Eagle watermarked paper.