King Idris I Definitives, Cyrenaica

Libya · 1951 · Various

This definitive series from Cyrenaica features a portrait of King Idris I, the first and only king of Libya. The stamps were issued in various denominations and colors to cover different postal rates. The design is a classic profile portrait, common for definitive issues of the era, symbolizing the new monarchy.

Issued shortly before the full independence and unification of Libya in December 1951, these stamps represent the administration of Cyrenaica under British authority with Emir Idris as its head. They were soon replaced by stamps for the United Kingdom of Libya.