Page 164 - The Postal Agencies in Eastern Arabia

ordinary correspondence was often franked with Type 43 which
had been registered at the G.P.O. in London on May 29th, 1963:
it was struck in black. A similar frank incorporating “5 NP”
between “BAHRAIN” and “PAID” is also known: it was
struck in violet and is recorded as late as April 1st, 1968 —
long after the currency had changed.

Z

PAID
II OC 70

Type 43

POSTAL INDEPENDENCE
With the approach of the hand-over, a new set of definitives was
ordered from Harrisons. Denominations were in the new currency
(1000 Fils — 1 Bahrain Dinar), and the four lower values featured the
Ruler’s portrait; the middle values showed new views of Muharraq
Airport and the wharf at Mina Suleman.

The four higher values, although somewhat garish in appearance,
are exceedingly interesting for their subjects. The 100 fils shows an
under-water view of pearling, for long the mainstay of Bahrain’s economy;
and the 200 fils depicts falconry and horse racing, the chief local sporting
activities. The 500 fils has hospitality as its theme, with the traditional
Arab coffee pot and cup against a background of the Ruler?s Palace,
situated on a commanding position at Rifa’a on the Manama-Awali road.

The Dinar value is quite remarkable for what it shows; Baab al
Bahrain (the archway between the waterfront and the bazaar in Manama);
the old Suuq al Kliamis (Thursday Market) Mosque, of which little more
than its twin minarets remain standing; coffee pot, sailing ship, pearl

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