RARE Bahrain stamps, postal envelopes and currencies are on display at a major cultural event in the UAE.
The Sharjah Stamp Exhibition, which ends today has been drawing crowds since its launch. Some of the items on display are on sale while a few others have been lined up by collectors for competitive awards.
Bahrain Philatelic Society financial secretary Habeeb Tarradah, who has been taking part in the expo for more than 20 years, stressed its vital role in showcasing history.
“We have a large collection of Bahraini stamps, letters and other collectibles on display at the exhibition’s Bahrain wing and we have spared no efforts to thoroughly explain the history behind each piece,” he told the GDN.
Some of the rare envelopes on display as part of Bahrain’s participation.
“There are also booths where people can sell their collectibles. During the earlier editions, pieces were sold for thousands of dinars.
“A BD5 note issued in 1964 can be sold for more than BD3,000 if it is preserved well.
“There are valuable pieces that could sell for more.
A BD5 bank note issued in 1964 that’s valued at more than BD3,000
“Some paper currencies from Qatar and Dubai were earlier bought by collectors for BD12,000 while a few others had even fetched up to BD20,000.”
He called on youths to shun their mobile phones and technology for a while and pursue such hobbies ‘as each stamp, letter or currency has a history and a story.”
Emirates Philatelic Society chairman Abdullah Khoori stressed the role of such events in bringing the community together after the pandemic.
A rare Qatari bank note that was sold for more than BD12,000.
“We have more than 200 exhibits and 32 booths showcasing historical pieces,” he said.
Meanwhile, event organisers have named the contest winners in various categories. Bahrain’s Hussain Barras emerged on top in the category for stamps issued for the Holy Kaabah (in Mecca) and Al Khafji. Saleh Al Hassan won in the ‘Bahrain’s postal system from 1888 to 1956’ category, Habeeb Tarradah in ‘commercial letters sent by air’, and Haitham Al Saleh in ‘postcards for Bahrain’s initiatives’.
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