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Accession – King Ali bin Hussein 1 1/2 piastre Overprinted for Jedda

Set against a backdrop of regional turmoil, this stamp illustrates the urgent administrative adjustments made during the Siege of Jeddah. The base design features the calligraphic signature of King Ali bin Hussein housed within an ornate, cloud-shaped frame (reminiscent of Islamic architectural arches), but it is the bold, black rectangular overprint that carries the historical weight of the period. This overprint served as a provisional measure to signify that the stamp was valid for use within the besieged city of Jeddah, the monarchy's last stronghold. The contrast between the delicate, flowering arabesque background and the stark, functional overprint symbolizes the clash between the kingdom’s high cultural aspirations and the harsh military realities of the mid-1920s Arabian Peninsula.