Bahrain - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

Bahrain is an archipelago of thirty three Islands in the Persian Gulf consisting of Bahrain itself, Muharraq, Umm an Nasan, Sitra, and several smaller islands. The total land area slightly less than 300 square miles supports a population of around 800,000 (including over 200,000 non-nationals mostly on temporary work visas) – very small country but very densely populated at over 3000 people per square mile. Over 80% of the population are Muslims (over 65% Shia), with about 10% Christians, and the rest from other groups. It is one of the richest countries in the Persian Gulf with a per-capital GDP (PPP) of close to $35,000 helped by oil, petroleum production and processing, and the financial industry with its status as Financial Hub of Islamic nations. Over ninety percent of the land area is a low lying desert plain with the climate categorized by mild winters and very hot and humid summers.

Travel Resources:

November and March are the best time to visit Bahrain. Authentic Arabian experience is what Bahrain provides best for the traveler. Islamic architecture of various vintages abound waiting to be explored. Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain fort and Arad Fort, Barbar temple and beautiful mosques are part of this elite group. Coffee is considered part of traditional welcome. Machboos made from meat or fish and muhammar a sweet rice preparation served with dates are traditional Bahrain dishes.

Resource	ISBN or ASIN	Best Price	Description
Culture Shock! Bahrain: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette	978-0761454731	$16	A cultural introduction to Bahrain including how to socialize and doing business in Bahrain along with Food & Travel sections.
Mini Guide to Bahrain	978-9948033196	$11	Area Maps and a pull-out map. Sections on exploring Manama and beyond, discovering Arabic Culture, shopping restaurants, accommodation and other essential info.
Bahrain Mini Map	978-9768182708	$6	Includes Main areas and streets of Bahrain along with a detailed map of Manama, the capital.

Philatelic Profile:

Indian stamps issued by the Indian postal service sub-office in Manama starting in 1884 were the first stamps used in Bahrain. The first issues considered as Bahrain stamps were a set of fourteen Indian stamps from 1926-32 with a ‘BAHRAIN’ overprint in black issued August 10, 1933. The set (Scott #1 to #14) catalogs for around $300 MNH and around $350 used. Two other smaller sets followed in 1934 and 1935-37. The period from 1938 to 1944 saw the 1937-40 KGV and Mail Transport and the 1941-43 KGV sets of India being reissued with the ‘BAHRAIN’ overprint in two large sets. The first set of sixteen stamps (Scott #20 to #37) is very valuable at over $800 for MNH and around half that for used. The second set of thirteen stamps (Scott #38 to #51) catalogs for around $100 either MNH or used.

After India’s Independence, the British Postal Service started handling the postal services of Bahrain. Their issues were “Bahrain” overprints of British stamps with the denomination also overprinted with Indian currency. The first issue consisted of overprints of eleven stamps in five different British KGVI designs (1937-42) issued 1948-49. The lower denominations of this set (Scott #52 to #61A) are very affordable and catalogs for less than a dollar. The higher denominations that have the classic KGVI and Royal Arms design and the KGVI in an ornate frame design command a premium. The highest denomination (10r on 10sh) is especially valuable at around $60. Bahrain overprints on British stamps were used until 1960. Many popular themes such as the Silver Wedding Anniversary, the Olympic issue, and the UPU issue were used for the Bahrain overprints – these issues are fairly common and trade for between less than a dollar and a few dollars largely based on denomination. In between, Bahrain issued a set of six stamps for local use only – they are significant in that they are the first original designs and show Sheik Sulman bin Hamad Al Kalifah – issued in 1953-57, they catalog for around $20 MNH. A similar set was also issued for local use only in 1961 and that catalogs for around $10.

The first original design for regular use was issued on July 1, 1960 and shows the Sheik Sulman bin Hamad Al Kalifah portrait. These stamps were denominated in Gulf Rupee which replaced the Indian Rupee as Bahrain’s currency in 1959. The set (Scott #119 to #129) consisted of eleven stamps with denominations that ranged from 5np to Rs 10. It catalogs for around $30 MNH and less than half that for used. Other significant issues of Bahrain include:

1. A set of 12 stamps seven different local themes (Bahrain International Airport, Pearl Divers, Pier at Mina Sulman Harbor, Falcon and Horse Race, Hospitality, and Mosque with Emblem – all with a portrait of the Sheik in the foreground) issued on January 1, 1966. The mosque, sheik, and emblem design used in the higher denominations is especially colorful. The issue was significant in that it is the first issue after Bahrain replaced the Gulf Rupee with their own currency (Dinar and Fils) in 1965. The set (Scott #141 to #152) catalogs for around $60 MNH and less than one-third that for used. Pearl related design is a fairly popular theme that appears frequently in Bahrain stamp designs and marks the country’s rich tradition of diving for natural pearls on its coast.
2. A set of four stamps issued October 2nd 1971 with the independence theme following the declaration of Bahrain Independence on August 15th 1971. The set (Scott #182 to #185) consists of two designs – “Freedom” with dove, torch, and globe, and Coat of Arms. The set catalogs for around $35 MNH and around $20 used.
3. A miniature sheet of eight stamps depicting Arabian Stallions released on September 1, 1975. The beautiful sheet (Scott #224) catalogs for around $60 MNH and half that for used. The designs were Brown Head, White Mare, Mare and Stallion, and Bedouins on horseback.
4. A miniature sheet of eight stamps depicting Saluki Dogs released July, 1977. The sheet (Scott #256) catalogs for around $35 MNH or used. The designs were Dog and Camels, Dog and Gazelles, Dog and Ruler’s Palace, Dog’s Head, Heads of two dogs, Dog in Dunes, and Playing Dogs. The issue is significant in that Muslims (originated Bedouin tribe “Kiss of Allah” belief) regard Salukis with a patch of white in the the forehead to be blessed.
5. A set of eight stamps released on July 16, 1979 in the “Dhows of the Arabian Gulf” theme. The set (Scott #263 to #270) catalogs for around $80 MNH or used in a block of eights. Individual stamps can be had for a slight discount. The dhows depicted were Ghanja, Zarook, Shu’ai, Jaliboot, Baghla, Sambuk, Boom, and Kotia.
6. A miniature sheet of sixteen stamps released on March 21, 1992 in the “Indigenous Birds of Bahrain” theme. The sheet (Scott #382) catalogs for around $25 MNH or used. Individual stamps can be had for around a dollar.
7. A miniature sheet of twenty one stamps released on April 23, 1997 in the “Pure Strains of Arabian Horses” theme. The sheet (Scott #492) catalogs for around $40 MNH or used.
8. A set of three stamps released on February 1, 2002 in the “Day of the Arab Woman” theme. The set (Scott #559 to #561) catalogs for around $5 MNH or used. The designs were Emblem, Emblem and Rings, and Women. Woman’s right to vote was granted for the first time in the 2002 election and this issue signify that important political step.

Numismatic Profile:

Bahrain started issuing coins denominated in Fils in 1965. Prior to this, British East India company coins were used. The first issues have mintage into the millions and catalog for less than a dollar in UNC. Other Numismatic items of Bahrain include:

Item	Price Range	Description
Coins	$1 and up	Proofs from 2000s and first coins in VF start around $1. Bi Metal coins from 2000s in BU starts around $20. UNICEF, Rhim Gazelle etc Silver Proofs start around $50. Silver proof sets and error varieties go into the 100s.
Paper Money	$2 and up	Common UNCs start around $2. Notes from the early 60s in UNC start around $30. Scarce dates, First Issues, etc in UNC start around $100.

Collectible Memorabilia:

Pottery, utility and decorative items weaved from split palm fronds, Arabic calligraphy, and stained glass by Bahraini artisans makes for great souvenirs and gifts.


Last Updated: 12/2015.