28th February 1946 - 80th Anniversary of the First Egyptian Postage Stamp, and the First Philatelic Exhibition, Cairo (Semi-Postal).

Photogravure (black overprint on C98 was applied by offset lithography) by the Survey Department, Cairo. Usage valid until 27 March 1946.

From 28th February to 8th March 1946, the International Philatelic Exhibition was held in Cairo for the first time in the Arab world, at the Palace of the Royal Agricultural Society under the auspices of the Friends of the Arts Association.

The exhibition, inaugurated under the auspices of King Farouk, was held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the issuance of the first Egyptian postage stamp. King Farouk spent two hours watching the participants’ presentations. The title of ‘Bey’ was granted to Mr. Ibrahim Shifter, head of the Board of the Egyptian Philatelic Society. On that occasion, the Egyptian Post issued four stamps and a postcard put up for circulation on 28th February 1946, the first day of the exhibition.

The exhibition had the advantage of strong international participation, including distinguished offers from M. Albert Ceysens, the winner of the Grand Prix of Egypt's International Fair for his Egyptian collection which was presented on 58 show platforms. Gracie Wissa from Alexandria won the gold medal for her Egyptian collection, as well as the Cup of the Belgium Consul-General. Captain Douglas McNeille gained the gold medal for his study of official stamps and those for sale. Also, Maitre Gabriel Boulad from Alexandria was granted the gold medal for his Egyptian collection.