2018-05-12 Sat

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is situated on the east bank of Jordan River. The Kingdom is surrounded by Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. It is believed that the Moab and Edom kingdoms were situated here in biblical times. It was earlier a part of the Ottoman Empire. After World War I, it was called Trans-Jordan and became a part of the League of Nations controlled by Great Britain. The kingdom attained its independence in 1946.

A set of 14 Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa stamps were issued by Jordan on 14th September 1996. An imperforate souvenir sheet of one 100-fils stamp was also released. Although the stamps are commonly found, the souvenir sheet is very rare.

The stamp in the souvenir sheet shows Pontius Pilate about to wash his hands and send Jesus to the Cross. Pilate was the fifth prefect of the Roman province of Judea who gave his services from 26 to 36 A.D. A roman governor is rarely depicted on stamps, making them more desirable among topical collectors who collect stamps based on religion, archaeology and Roman Empire.

The souvenir sheet has a listed market value of $30 in mint never-hinged condition and $27.50 in used condition.

Image Courtesy: Jordan Post