Suez Canal Company 20 Centimes

Egypt · 1868 · 20 Centimes

This stamp, issued by the Suez Canal Company, features a prominent depiction of a steamship navigating the canal. The design is framed by ornate scrollwork, with the denomination '20 CENTIMES' clearly displayed at the bottom and 'CANAL MARITIME DE SUEZ' at the top. These were the first stamps used in Egypt, predating the official government issues.

Issued in 1868 for mail carried on the Suez Canal Company's ships, these stamps facilitated communication along the vital new waterway just before its official opening in 1869. They represent a unique period of private postal services in the region.