Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 25 Qirsh 1968, KM# 38, Sudan, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • 25 Qirsh 1968, KM# 38, Sudan, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Obverse

Depicts a camel postman image from the famous post stamp surrounded by the inscription "Let's work to provide food for all" above and F.A.O below, dates in Gregorian (left) and Islamic year (right) in Arabic numerals below.

In the late 19th century, as Britain expanded its empire, Sudan became one of its colonies. Captain Edward Stanton, assigned to establish a functional postal system, faced the challenge of designing postage stamps. Before British control, Sudan had primarily used Egyptian stamps, valued by collectors for their Sudanese postmarks.

Stanton's inspiration for the iconic stamp design came from the arrival of regimental mail by camel instead of the usual steamer. To capture the essence, he had a local tribesman dress in a war kit and ride the camel in front of him. Stanton improvised with leather carriers as mail bag substitutes, filling them with straw and labeling them with the names of two towns, Khartoum and Berber, even though both were still under enemy control.

The first set of stamps was issued on March 1, 1898, with Berber captured by then, and Khartoum falling six months later. Despite the evolving political landscape, the design persisted and became symbolic of the country.

Sudan exclusively issued 'Camel postmen' stamps until 1931 when supplementary airmail stamps were introduced. The iconic design retained its prominence until 1951 when a new pictorial set marked the end of an era.

لنعمل لتوفير الغذاء للجميع
F.A.O
١٣٨٨ - ١٩٦٨

Reverse

Denomination between mirrored flower and cotton ornaments, country name above (Republic of the Sudan).

جمهورية السودان
٢٥
قرشا

Edge

25 Qirsh (Piastres)

Republic
KM# 38 Schön# 9 Y# 42
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 15.5 g
Diameter 31.8 mm
Thickness 2.6 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Omdurman Mint

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