Egypt 1879 20 Paras Sphinx and Pyramid Stamp

Egypt · 1879 · 20 Paras

This stamp features the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza with the Pyramids in the background, a classic representation of ancient Egypt. The design is framed by an ornate border with the denomination '20 PARAS' at the bottom and Arabic inscriptions. This issue is part of a definitive series that replaced earlier designs and was widely used for postage.

Issued under the authority of Khedive Ismail, this stamp represents a period of modernization in Egypt, which was then an autonomous state within the Ottoman Empire. The use of European-style printing and perforations reflects the increasing Western influence on the Egyptian postal system.