My name is Wahid Zia. I am collecting stamps since the last 37 years (1980). I created a blog which includes the information of Pakistan all stamps. W/W new issues & all issues of Pakistan from 1947 to date are available on this blog. I invite you to visit my blog and get useful information.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Europe's third-oldest postage stamp auctions next month, priced $40,000

The Double Geneva rarely appears on the market in any condition - and this one is 'exceptional'

Here's a heads-up for philatelists on the lookout for a rare stamp whose historical provenance matches its scarcity: Europe's third oldest postage stamp, the Double Geneva is auctioning at Spink Shreves on July 21-23.

Dated to the stamp's year of issue, this 1843 10c Black on yellow green Double Geneva cantonal has large, balanced margins all around, full dividing lines at its right, and portions of dividing lines on the other three sides.

Spink Shreves describes the stamps as "marvellously fresh with a highly detailed impression on bright paper, beautifully cancelled by a bright and centrally-struck red rosette... very fine."

The Double Geneva cantonal is one of the rarest stamps of classic Switzerland. Issued by the City of Geneva in 1843, it was preceded only by the Zurich Fours and Sixes (in turn preceded by the New York Dispatch in 1842, and Britain's Penny Black and Twopence Blue in 1840).


The 1843 10c Black on yellow green Double Geneva cantonal

Unsurprisingly, examples of the Double Geneva in any condition are seldom found on the market; and those which appear invariably have faults, repairs or are cut in on one or more sides.

This exceptional example is completely devoid of these faults.

Described as boasting a "wonderful overall brilliance and gorgeous cancel," according to experts this stamp ranks among the most eye-appealing copies available.

The historic specimen will auction with a 2009 von der Weid authenticating certificate, and carries a pre-sale value of $40,000.

If you're interested in this stamp, it's also worth remembering that a Double Geneva cover featured in Peter Rapp AG's Switzerland stamp sale in June of this year, estimated at $139,275-185,700 (150,000-200,000 CHF).


Europe's third oldest adhesive postage stamp, the Double Geneva, sold
for $235,000 in Switzerland earlier this year (Click here to read our
report on the sale)

The cover was formerly in the collection of Alfred F Lichtenstein, one of the most famous American philatelists, and bears a pair of "exceptionally fresh, exquisite quality" stamps.

Marked GENEVE 12 SEPT 44 and addressed to "Task Temple... Eaux-Vives," it sold for a final price of $235,000 (270,000 CHF).

Watch this space for upcoming news on Spink Shreves' July Collector’s Series Sale. The auction will be held in Dallas, Texas.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Comp group seeks stamp of approval

A U.S. Postal Service advisory committee is weighing a proposal that would have it approve the creation of a stamp commemorating workers compensation's 100th anniversary.

The workers comp system was born in 1911 when nine states began adopting laws requiring companies to compensate workers for on-the-job injuries in exchange for workers generally giving up the right to sue.

Fifty years later, President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and Wisconsin Gov. Gaylord Nelson joined in a White House ceremony to recognize workers comp by unveiling a 50th anniversary postage stamp.

Wisconsin lays claim to adopting the first "constitutional workers compensation law" in the United States.

In 2008, with workers comp's 100th anniversary three years away, the Wisconsin Division of Worker's Compensation submitted the proposal for a new commemoration stamp.

The Postal Service Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee typically takes at least three years to determine whether it approves of ideas for new stamps, according to the Workers' Compensation Centennial Commission.

The Madison, Wis.-based Centennial Commission recently formed as a nonpartisan organization to get other states involved in efforts to celebrate 100 years of workers comp.

"Our goal is to celebrate the rich history of the U.S. workers compensation system, beginning with its inception in the Wisconsin Progressive Era, to its enduring impact on every American worker and employer," the Commission's website says.

Shown above, President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon Johnson and Wisconsin Gov. Gaylord Nelson, along with U.S. Postmaster General J.E. Day, mark the 50th anniversary of workers compensation with a postage stamp in 1961.

Canadian Roadside Attractions postage stamps


Another quartet of warm, welcoming and whimsical Canadian landmarks take the spotlight in the latest Roadside Attractions stamp issue.

The second in this stamp series, these stamps are as fun and whimsical as the attractions they celebrate. Designer Fraser Ross of Halifax's Semaphor Design Company notes, "They're all iconic in their own way, so we wanted to give them each a monumental quality."

The stamps feature:

Coffee Pot and Cup (Davidson, SK)
Happy Rock (Gladstone, MB)
Wawa Goose (Wawa, ON)
Puffin (Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, QC)

The stamps feature traditional oil paintings by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie Ross. The detail and dimension within them was captured by applying layer upon layer of graduated colour. The lively colour scheme lends a cartoonish aspect to the scenes.

Fishes of the Reef on 60c Australian Stamps


With the basic postage rate going to 60c, Australia Post has issued a new and colourful definitive issue titled Fishes of the Reef. This issue is in two parts with Part 2 issued on 28 June 2010, when the new postage rates become valid.

Australia's tropical and subtropical waters support an astounding range of marine life, particularly in the reef areas. The largest coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef spans more than 2,000 kilometres of the north-eastern coast. This area alone is home to an estimated 1,500 species of fishes, up to 8,000 species of molluscs and 360 species of corals. Fishes are an important part of reef ecology and the eight fish species in this stamp issue occupy the waters of Great Barrier Reef. Several are also found around reefs off northern and Western Australia.

Asian American lawmakers appeal for stamps

Asian American members of the US Congress on Thursday appealed for the US Postal Service to issue more stamps depicting the community, which they said has been sorely underpresented.

The Postal Service has issued 43 stamps with Asian American themes since 1957, when a citizens' committee was set up to propose stamp subjects. Nearly half of the stamps have marked the Chinese New Year, the lawmakers said.

In a letter to the committee, Asian American members of Congress proposed a range of potential honorees for stamps such as Chinese who built the Transcontinental Railroad and Japanese Americans interned during World War II.

Individuals who would warrant a stamp include Chinese American film star Anna May Wong and Indian-born Dalip Singh Saund, who was elected in 1956 as the first Asian American member of Congress, the letter said.

"Stamps are like history teachers, educating us on significant, and often omitted, social, cultural and political occurrences in America's past," said Representative Mike Honda, a Democrat from California and head of the Asian American caucus.

The issuance of more Asian American stamps is "a necessary next step in mainstreaming a minority group that remains marginalized from the postal service's primary platform for remembering America's history," he said.

Art Canada series: Prudence Heward

The latest issue in Canada Post's Art Canada series features two masterpieces created by Montreal-born painter Prudence Heward.

The paintings featured on the stamps are: At the Theatre (1928) and Rollande (1929).

In order to select paintings that would be representative of Heward, veteran stamp designer Helene L'Heureux thoroughly explored her large and varied body of work. "Almost immediately, her figure paintings stood out as her most significant pieces," she says. "At the Theatre and Rollande exude a sense of great depth. They seem to give expression to the difficult position of women in the modern world - a difficulty that's carried into every sphere of social life."

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Grete Rehor

Grete Rehor has gone down as the first female minister in the political history of Austria, and was born in Vienna on 30 June 1910.
After primary school, she attended the Bürgerschule and then a college for teachers; however, the difficult conditions after the war prevented her from achieving her ambition of becoming a teacher. Employed as a textile worker instead, she attended a commercial college and many socio-political evening courses.

Title: 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Grete Rehor
Date of Issue: 29 June 2010
Country: Austria
Denominations: 0.55 EUR

Queen’s Baton Relay – XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010


India Post issued a set of two commemorative postage stamps to mark the baton’s entry into India as a herald to the Commonwealth Games 2010, one depicting the baton and the second, a proud Shera holding it with Delhi’s India Gate in the background.

The Queen’s baton has traveled through all the Commonwealth countries and landed in India on 25th June 2010, Friday through the Wagah Border with big celebrations, it will spend 100 days touring the country.

The Queen’s baton was launched on 29th October 2009 at Buckingham Palace in London, with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II handing the Baton to Her Excellency the President of India, Smt. Prathibha Devisingh Patil. Abhinav Bindra, the Olympic air rifle champion, began the Baton’s journey with a relay around the Queen Victoria Monument. It’s the longest relay of all the previous Commonwealth Games, and by the end, will have covered 190 thousand km across 71 nations.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is one of the greatest traditions of the Commonwealth Games, in having been the curtain-raiser to every games since Cardiff in 1958. The relay symbolism the gathering of people from across the Commonwealth at the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

The Baton has been designed by Michael Foley, a graduate of the National Institute of Design. It is a triangular section of aluminum twisted into a helix shape and then coated with coloured soils collected from all regions of India. The Coloured soils are a first for the styling of a Queen’s Baton. A jewel encrusted box has been used to house the Queen’s message, which was laser-engraved onto a miniature 18 carat gold leaf-representative of the ancient Indian Patras. The Queen’s baton is economically contoured for ease of use. It is 664MM high, 34MM wide at base, and 86MM wide at the top and weighs 1,900 grams.

The Queen’s baton has a number of technological features including:
* The ability to capture images and sound
* Global positioning system (GPS) technology so the baton’s location can be tracked.
* Embedded light emitting diodes(LEDs) which will change into the colours of a country’s flag whilst
in that country.
* A text messaging capability so that people can send messages of congratulations and encouragements to the Baton bearers throughout the relay.

Title:Queen’s Baton Relay – XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010
Date of Issue: 25 June 2010
Country: India
Denomination: 2000p and 500p

350th Anniversary of the Birth of Johann Joseph Fux

Austria post presents a commemorative stamp being issued on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the birth of the Austrian musical theorist and composer Johann Joseph Fux.

Born in Hirtenfeld near Graz in 1660 (the precise date is not known), Fux, the son of a farmer, first studied at the University of Graz and, from 1683 to 1687 in Ingolstadt. In 1696 he was appointed organist at the Monastery of the Scots in Vienna, a post he retained until 1702 and which drew him to the attention.

Title: 350th Anniversary of the Birth of Johann Joseph Fux
Date of Issue: 26 June 2010
Country: Austria
Denominations: 1.00 EUR

New Zealand 1d Claret leads important stamp sale

Ashford Stamps Limited is holding a postal auction of Commonwealth rarities:- A New Zealand auction house is offering a stunning 2161 lots of rare stamps and covers. Some of the highlights include:

A 1905 unused single, chestnut mint Life Insurance 2d. The well-centred tiny stamp is here offered with a guide price of NZ$4,000 (US$2,800).

An unused Pelure paper 1d Orange-vermilion imperforate from 1862, without a watermark and with a top margin repair. The very rare piece, which in perfect condition would be worth NZ$22,500 according to the Campbell Paterson catalogue, is listed here again at NZ$4,000.

From the same range of 'Full Face Queens' is a used 1d Dull Orange (again without a watermark) with a Kaiapoi '16' obliterator is a great rarity in good condition, marred only by a pre-print crease. It is expected to sell for NZ$8,000.

New Zealand Claret 1d 1906 commemorative stamp
New Zealand Claret 1d 1906 commemorative stamp

The expected top lot, however is a New Zealand classic: a 1906 Christchurch Exhibition 1d Claret mint. The commemorative series shows Maoris crafting wood.

The classic, certified genuine rarity shows aged, cracking brown gum and good perforations, and is in very attractive condition with deep colour. Listed by Campbell Paterson at up to NZ$20,000, it is on offer here with a NZ$14,000 (US$9,900) guide price.

Ashford Stamp Limited is located in Auckland, New Zealand, and the postal auction will be open until Thursday (July 1).

Extremely rare $28,080 stamp reprint leads Regency Superior's auction

This 90c Dull Carmine Perry Reprint was the star lot in last weekend's sale, amongst other rarities...

The predicted frontrunner emerged as the top lot at Regency Superior Auctions' sale of rare stamps, coins and sports memorabilia in St Louis, Missouri last weekend (June 19).

An extremely rare 90c Dull Carmine Perry Reprint - "missing from even the most advanced collections," according to Regency Superior - was entered into the sale with an estimated value of $30,000.

Actually an 1880 reprinting, the stamp was first issued in 1879. It boasts a deep rich luxuriant colour and was issued without any gum - a "fine example".

90c Dull Carmine Perry Reprint
The extremely rare 90c Dull Carmine Perry Reprint

The 90c stamp narrowly missed its estimated value, eventually selling for $28,080 including Buyer's Premium. Nevertheless, its seller was undoubtedly pleased with the result.

Meanwhile, another star of the sale was another 1880 special reprinting, this time of an 1879 Hamilton 30¢ green-black specimen; enthusiastically billed as "a extremely fine GEM!" in the auction catalogue.

One of only about 45 known examples, the stamp is described as extremely well centered with a natural straight edge on its right size, issued without gum and is unused. "Undervalued in this quality," it realised a final value of $21,060, with buyer's premium.


The 1879 Hamilton 30¢ green-black specimen (left); and the 1870 Washington
green 3¢ 'banknote' with double impression

Another highlight in the auction was an 1870 Washington green 3¢ banknote with double impression (meaning that the stamp's entire image was printed twice, or faintly doubled).

A true rarity, one only four known examples, this example has a small corner crease at its top right and tiny corner perforation crease at its bottom left, and sold for an absolute bargain $14,625.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

BMA accepts international best banknote award for the $2 bill

The Bermuda Monetary Authority has been awarded Bank Note of the Year for the $2 bill, beating out competition from new currency in countries like South Korea, Jamaica and Mexico.

Accepting the award from the International Banknote Society yesterday, BMA chairman Alan Cossar said the Authority was proud the note had been recognised not only for its design, but also for its advanced security features.

"The Authority is honoured to have our $2 banknote acknowledged by the International Banknote Society," said Mr. Cossar. "One of the objectives of the redesigned banknotes was to develop a series that not only showcased Bermudian flora, fauna and places of historical interest, but which also incorporate the latest in banknote security and anti- counterfeiting features.

"The new banknotes have made a great impression in Bermuda. They are distinctive, modern and secure; and we are very proud that they are now being recognised internationally. On behalf of the Authority I would like to congratulate our Currency Team — Marcia Woolridge-Allwood, Terry Pitcher, Tawana Butterfield, Tamera Smith and Vera Burgess — on this significant accomplishment."

The note was part of a total redesign of the Island's currency — the first since 1970 — commissioned by the Authority to mark the 400th year of settlement last year. The series was designed by De La Rue Currency, which was also represented at yesterday's presentation.

Peter Symes, president of the International Banknote Society, said the Bermuda note had been a "clear favourite" among the society's members.

"The IBNS Board was very impressed with, among other matters, the fact that such a low denomination note has such comprehensive security features," said Mr. Stymes, "but principally it was the design that interested us…they are very busy notes, there's always something else to be discovered."

Iran unveils new 100,000-rial banknote

The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has unveiled a new bank note worth 100,000 rials which is double the value of the country's former largest note of 50,000 rials.

The 100,000-rial bill comes with new security features, which would allow CBI experts to distinguish it with special equipment at an advanced level.

The banknote bears the three-dimensional image of the late founder of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Imam Khomeini, as watermark. A strip bearing a hologram depicting CBI headquarters is another security feature of the new banknote.

According to a CBI official, Mahmoud Ahmadi, the bank has so far printed 10 million 100,000-rial banknotes and is scheduled to print a total of 200 million more by March, 2011.

The 100,000-rial banknote is made of cotton and bears the color olive green.

Hungary celebrates Chopin's birth bicentenary

Frederic Francois Chopin, known as the poet of the piano, was one of the greatest composers of classical music. The musician, who lived in the first half of the 19th century, was the pioneer of the use of national Romantic and folk music motifs. 2010 has been declared the year of Chopin by UNESCO and Magyar Posta is marking the occasion by releasing a postage stamp.

On the special stamp there is a portrait of Chopin, the house where he was born and his signature. At the centre of the design of both the first day cover and the commemorative postmark is Chopin's favourite instrument, the piano. The first day cover shows a silhouette of Chopin seated at the piano and in the postmark there is a stylised design of hands playing a piano.

Characteristic Streets in Hong Kong


As a melting pot where east meets west and tradition blends with modernity, Hong Kong has many streets of individual character. Hongkong Post has specially selected 6 distinctive ones to constitute a set of 6 stamps. These snapshots give a sense of nostalgia to Hong Kong people.

Title: Characteristic Streets in Hong Kong
Date of Issue: 24 June 2010
Country: Hong Kong
Denominations: $1.40, $1.60, $2.60, $2.60, $3.00, $3.00

According to expert research, the GB30 stamp Rarities index has risen 6,403% in the last 40 years... It's an investment you may never have considered


IOM post issue a set of stamp to mark the tercentenary and details the most significant developments in coinage on the Isle of Man over three centuries.

The history of coins on the Island dates back 300 years to when the first official Manx coins were cast in 1709 and became legal tender by an Act of Tynwald on 24th June 1710.

They were cast in moulds, probably at Castle Rushen in Castletown, and the reverse side bore the family crest of James Stanley, 10th Earl of Derby. On the obverse is the familiar Manx triskeles surrounded by the old Latin spelling of the motto QVOCVNQVE GESSERIS STABIT, which translates as ‘Withersoever (which ever way) you throw it, it will stand’.

Title: History of Manx Coins
Date of Issue: 24 June 2010
Country: Isle of Man
Denominations: 35p, 36p, 55p, 60p, 67p, 1.87

The Top 10 rare Great British stamp investments of the last five years


According to expert research, the GB30 stamp Rarities index has risen 6,403% in the last 40 years...

It's an investment you may never have considered before - but according to new expert figures, the market for rare Great British stamps is (literally) safer than houses...

According to figures compiled by Stanley Gibbons, the leading stamp dealer, the GB30 Rarities index (listing the top 30 rare Great British stamps) has risen by an incredible 6,403% in the last 40 years.

This works out as a compound average annual increase of 11% - an annual return which beats inflation by an average 4.4% per annum.

Perhaps even more remarkably, the index has not dropped in value in any five-year period in the last four decades - prompting more and more financial experts to label stamps a "safe haven investment."

Here, we look at the Top Ten British Stamps which offered the highest value growth over a five-year period - and why now is the right time for you to consider investing in rare stamps...


Source: Stanley Gibbons

According to the above chart, even the worst performer appreciated by 55.6% over the past 5 years. The best performer, meanwhile, showed an increase of 172.7%.

What's more, the market should also look good in the future - with such factors as the growing population of the middle classes and diminishing supply of rare stamps ensuring that values continue to appreciate.

If you are a collector or investor looking to make your first foray into philately, we advise that you look out for true rarities - for instance, the Tyrian Plum, of which only 12 examples are known to exist.

Two Pan-American invert stamps bring $250,000 at Siegel Auction Galleries

The 1c strip and 2c gem central inverts led the way in the World Rarities stamp sale:- At the weekend, Robert A Siegel held their annual World Rarities stamp auction, continuing a tradition which has been running since 1964. A stunning 352 lots were sold, bringing a number of substantial five-figure and even six-figure results.

This year, the auction drew its rare philatelic pieces from a number of great collections:

The Marc Weinberg-Martin Collection of France and Areas, including Maritime Mails, French Colonies and France, The Hall Family Collection of Chile, (which was mounted for exhibit in 1936 and is offered to the market for the first time), the Dr Robert LeBow Collection of Bolivia and the Dr Yamil H Kouri Collection of Cuba Puerto Principe Issues.

Pan-American central invert strip
Pan-American central invert strip of four
Of the single piece lots, the two biggest sellers were both inverts from the Pan-American series, which were found in at least four different post offices around the country. Approximately 600 to 700 are known, including thirteen blocks of four, a block of six and a block of 20, some of which may have been broken into singles.

Of the two lots in the Siegel auction, the first was expected to be one of the top lots: a strip of four green 1c imprints, which has a string of vignette plate letters in black and "1c" denomination imprint - the only known example for the 1c stamp.

Pan American 2c gem stamp
With original gum and fine appearance, the lot sold for almost exactly its estimate at $145,000.

However, it was almost upstaged by a gem quality example of the 2c Pan-American invert. With full original gum, the stamp has been graded at XF-90 by the Professional Stamp Experts.

It is truly exceptional due to its beautifully centring with wide and balanced margins, bright colours and clear impressions of vignette and frame, and smashed its $55,000 listing to be taken home for $105,000.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Oscar Micheaux Joins Black Heritage Stamp Series

Film director, screenwriter, producer and distributor Oscar Micheaux, who illuminated the African-American experience through more than 40 feature films, was immortalized on a U.S. postage stamp today, taking his place as the 33rd person honored in the popular Black Heritage commemorative stamp series.

Micheaux's unique storytelling ability shattered stereotypes and challenged film audiences with realistic representations of African-Americans. The stamp was dedicated today at a ceremony in Miller Auditorium at Columbia University.

The stamp is designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, and features a stylized portrait of Oscar Micheaux by artist Gary Kelly of Cedar Falls, IA. The artwork is based on one of the few surviving photographs of Micheaux, a portrait that appeared in his 1913 novel The Conquest.

Save the Children Romania' - 20 years of activity

Romfilatelia has issued a new postage stamp to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the organization "Save the Children Romania".

"Save the Children Romania" is a national non-governmental, non-profit organization, unaffiliated politically or religiously, which has been promoting children's rights since 1990 relying on the voluntary activity of its members. At present, the organization is developing programs in 20 cities; it has branches in 12 counties and Bucharest and over 6,000 members and 1,000 volunteers, especially young people.

Pure silver commemorative stamps from China


Authorized by the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination and the China Post Group, the Shanghai Philatelic Corporation has officially issued a set of pure silver commemorative stamps for the China Pavilion.

The stamps are made from .999 pure silver, and four different weights are available: 88 grams, 188 grams, 388 grams, and 688 grams. The number produced for each weight is restricted to 20,000, 10,000, 6,000 and 2,010, respectively.

On the face of the stamp is the pattern of the China Pavilion and the reverse side has a lily design and the Chinese traditional bat-shaped pattern representing open-mindedness, a harmonious Expo and benefiting China. The Expo theme "Better City, Better Life" is also printed on the reverse side in both Chinese and English. In addition, the stamp carries an anti-counterfeiting label specifically made for the Expo's licensed products.

Railways and Tramways


IOM post will issue a set of six stamps featuring the train and electric transport with some stunning images.

The Island is uniquely served in terms of transport. The Victorians left their mark with some of the finest locomotives and trams in existence. The transport enthusiast can travel the length of the Island by antique means – steam trains, horse trams and electric tram cars are all proudly maintained while the journey takes in some fabulous scenery.

Title: Railways and Tramways
Date of Issue: 24 June 2010
Country: Isle of Man
Denominations: 35p, 36p, 55p, 88p, 1.32, 1.46

Siegel auctions one-of-a-kind 'Capt Cornick' stamp cover

This important artefact of 18th century translatlantic mail will auction in New York, tomorrow:-

New York-based stamps auction house Robert A Siegel's 46th Annual Rarities of the World sale takes place this Saturday (June 19), featuring a one-of-a-kind piece of historic French philately.

Back in the mid-1780s, mail carried by the French Royal Ship Agency's Le Courier de l'Europe between New York and L'Orient bore two types of markings: "capt:CORnick" or "Le Courier de l'EUROPE/New York*16 Juin 1785."

Featured in Siegel's auction is the only recorded example of the "Capt Cornick" version - a singular and very important artefact of 18th century transatlantic mail.


The only record "Capt. Cornick" stamped envelope, from 1784

The cover is addressed to Epernay, France, and was apparently carried on Le Courier de l'Europe from New York on December 31, 1784, arriving at L'Orient on January 17, 1785. It was then forwarded to Paris, with an internal notation dated at Paris on February 7, 1785.

On the envelope's reverse is a clear strike of a two-line hand stamp. It reads "Capt Cornick" besides which "Deb. d'Epernay" has been written by hand. The folded letter itself is datelined "Philadelphie le 13 Dece. 1784".

Billed by Siegel as being in "very fine" condition, the cover will auction alongside other assorted rarities from the French Packet Service between 1783-1788. It carries an estimate of $7,500-10,000.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Swiss Post marks 100 years of Albert Anker's death

Albert Anker is regarded as one of the most important painters Switzerland ever produced and to this day, his oeuvre attracts international attention. Swiss Post has issued a special stamp to commemorate the centenary of his death.

Malaysia Issues Special Locomotive stamps

Pos Malaysia is issuing a collection of special stamps and first day cover, featuring the different types of locomotives by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), in conjunction with KTMB's 125th anniversary.

Pos Malaysia Stamp and Philately Unit head Yasmin Ramli said the stamps and first day covers, as well as other products, including miniature sheet, stamp booklet and folders, would be issued on Monday.

The collection of stamps would be issued to enlighten the public on the various types of locomotives used by KTMB since its establishment, she told reporters at a special preview on Friday.

World exclusive stamp issue from Gibraltar – Miss World 2009

Gibraltar Post is issuing a commemorative Miniature Sheet in honour of Kaiane Aldorino. The release date is the 30th June 2010.

Kaiane is a Gibraltarian beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Gibraltar 2009 and Miss World the same year in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was the first Miss Gibraltar to ever reach the semifinals of the Miss World beauty pageant.

New Guinness Record For Maximum Number of Stamps On A Parcel


A man from West Bengal's Nadia district (India) has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records by using maximum number of stamps on a parcel.

The Guinness authorities confirmed the feat of Manoj Kumar Mondal, who had sent a parcel to their office in London using 3809 Indian postage stamps in March.

One stamp was of the denomination of 10 paise, 86 stamps were of 15 paise, 3649 stamps of 25 paise and 73 of Rs 10.

Earlier this month, he got a letter from the Guinness authorities saying that he has broken the record of Les Stewart, an Australian, who had used 3400 stamps in his parcel in 1999.

Mondal's parcel constituted the minimum postage that was required to send the parcel from Krishnagar to London, a Guinness spokesperson told PTI from London.

"The letter was written on a vinyl sheet of 2 by 3 feet. The weight of the parcel was 2 kg and 825 grams for which I had to buy the stamps of Rs 1655," Mondal said.

An employee of engineering section at the Nadia Zilla Parishad, Mondal said he had written a message on global warming to the Guinness authorities in the parcel, which broke the world record.

EUROPA 2010 – Books for Children


“Let the children come to me” (Mark 10:14). This verse from Mark’s Gospel most appropriately describes the theme chosen for the annual postage stamp issue dedicated to Europe focusing this year on books for children.

The images on the stamps are taken from the book, The Bible Narrated for Children, produced by Gribaudo publishers. Depicted are two significant events: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and Jesus surrounded by children. The representations throughout the book are works by artist Chiara Raineri. The illustrations accompany and complement the text with depictions of various scenes and personalities in the Old and New Testament shown with great clarity and faithful accuracy to the original text.

Fr. Martino Signoretto, a professor of Biblical studies at the Studio Teologico San Zeno and Verona’s Istituto Superiore di Scienze Religiose San Pietro Martire, contributed his expertise to the project.

Title: EUROPA 2010 – Books for Children
Date of Issue: 22 June 2010
Country: Vatican
Denominations: € 0.60, 0.65

Taiwan Sculpture


To introduce the beauty of Taiwan sculpture, Chunghwa Post will issue a souvenir sheet on “Water Buffaloes” by Huang Tu-shui. To demonstrate the beauty of sculpture, it is also embossed while printing.

Huang Tu-shui (1895-1930) was Taiwan’s first contemporary sculptor and a pioneer in fusing western and traditional sculptural elements. “Water Buffaloes,” one of Huang’s masterpieces and his most representative work, is featured on this souvenir sheet. “Water Buffaloes” depicts a scene in a banana grove at the height of the summer: a refreshing breeze lightly sways the banana leaves as five water buffaloes mill about in a pasture. There are two naked shepherd boys: one on the back of a water buffalo, with a bamboo rod in hand and a bamboo hat on the tip of the rod, and another standing in front of the calf, caressing it with his hands.

There is another boy, who is wearing a bamboo hat and sitting on the back of a buffalo. The air and posture of the boy touching the calf gives the work a sense of peace and stability, and the intermingling of the buffaloes provides a sense of balance. The piece vividly records a simple rural scene characteristic of early Taiwan. The sculpture is now on display in the Guangfu Auditorium of Zhongshan Hall in Taipei City.

Title: Taiwan Sculpture
Date of Issue: 22 June 2010
Country: Taiwan
Denominations: NT$25

60th Anniversary of the Bank of China – Macau


Macau post will issue a set of four postage stamps and a miniature sheet celebrating 60th Anniversary of the Bank of China Macau branch.

Title: 60th Anniversary of the Bank of China – Macau
Date of Issue: 21 June 2010
Country: Macau
Denominations: 1.50, 2.50, 3.50, 4.00 ptcs

Friday, June 18, 2010

Vatican to mark 400 Years of Caravaggio's death


To mark the fourth centenary of the death of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, the Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office presents a series of postage stamps featuring what is considered one of Caravaggio's greatest masterpieces, The Deposition, a work commissioned by Girolamo Vittrice for his family chapel.

Previously on display in the Chiesa Nuova in Rome and now in the Pinacoteca of the Vatican Museums, this large painting (300 cm x 203 cm) portrays what happened right before the Lord's burial. Depicted in the forefront is Nicodemus, the sympathetic leader of the Jews who is shown lifting the body of Jesus after it had been taken down from the cross. Behind him are the historical witnesses of the Passion: Mary of Cleophas looking upwards to heaven, Mary Magdalene weeping, the Blessed Mother expressing profound grief, and the disciple John trying to draw close to the Lord one last time.

Superjhemp


Like all his famous American predecessors, Superjhemp is in day-to-day life a mild-mannered father of a family with all that entails. His family name is Kuddel (his spouse is evidently called Fleck) and he is employed at the “Ministère fir Ongeleiste Problemer” (M.O.P.).

But as soon as his contemporaries are faced with unofficial problems which exceed their capabilities, our short gentleman jumps into his blue-white-red superhero uniform and, just like that, the story begins.

Superjhemp is a caricature of American superheros from the 1930s, but with stories that relate to our area. In the adventures of Superjhemp there is first the characters: inspector Schrobiltgen, police chief Harespel, Joffer Lamesch, the dog Bernie, etc… And then, on a second level, the reader takes on the role of sleuth… it is for him to discover on each page the hidden details, the puns, the word games, the caricatures of well-known celebrities, the references to other comic strips. Superjhemp is the humorous work of scenarist Lucien Czuga, who uses current spoken Luxembourgeois as well as the work of famous Luxembourg illustrator Roger Leiner. You can admire his characters almost everywhere in advertising, illustrations, cartoons, brochures created by various ministries, schoolbooks, etc.

Title: Superjhemp
Date of Issue: 16 June 2010
Country: Luxembourg
Denominations: 2,50 € (5 self-adhesive ‘A’ postage stamps)

Castle Betliar


Originally a hunting castle, with its permanent specialized exhibition of Housing Culture of the Nobility in the 18th and 19th Century, the Castle Betliar has belonged to the administration of the Slovak National Museum – Museum Betliar since 1996. From the point of view of attractiveness, it belongs to the most visited ones and from the point of view of monument preservation, it belongs to the most preserved cultural historical monuments of Slovakia. It has been included into the network of Slovak museums since 1952.

The origins of the castle history date back to the first half of the 15th century and they are connected with the Hungarian family of Bebek. František Bebek built a small fortification in the period of the approaching Turkish threat. The greatest construction for the castle was noted in the period of the Transylvanian-Hungarian noble family of Andrássy which played an important part not only in the life of Gemer but the entire Hungary. The castle experienced several reconstructions over some centuries.

The biggest and most extensive was the reconstruction of 1880 – 1886 under the control of the count Emanuel Andrássy and the castle obtained its present look. Previous owners furnished the castle with luxury and gathered a lot of works of art and craft there creating a present-day precious artistic and historic collection fund of the museum. What is really valuable is the movables of the exhibit of domestic and foreign provenance dated in the 16th to 19th centuries. Interiors are supplemented with gallery collections, ceramics collections, china and porcelain from various European manufactures.

Title: Castle Betliar
Date of Issue: 18 June 2010
Country: Slovakia
Denominations: 0,40 €

Castle of Topolcianky


Picturesque scenery of a large English-style park with a monumental classicist chateau is situated in the northern part of the municipality Topo??ianky. Archaeological research was carried out in 1990 in the courtyard of the chateau and uncovered the foundations of the oldest stone architecture from the 13th century. Already in the mid-16h century Topo??ianky was in the reach of Turkish raids and as a result, it was burnt down many times and the fortification was damaged. Ján Topo??iansky, a lord of the chateau, also known as “Turk Fighter”, had the chateau rebuilt on its original foundations.

The last major reconstruction of the renaissance chateau was made halfway through the 17th century by the Earl Ladislav Rákoczi, together with his wife Elisabeth Rákoczi, born Bánffy who had part of the chateau rebuilt into a chateau chapel in 1662 in the north-western bastion. Since 1686, the chapel has been a significant sacred site in Slovakia. Halfway through the 18th century the chateau and the entire estate were mastered by the Keglevich earls who owned it up to 1890. At the beginning of the 19th century, the third earl of the Keglevich family, Ján Keglevich, ordered the southern renaissance wing to be demolished and replaced it in 1818 – 1825 with a classicist tract built. This classicist wing of the chateau is considered to be the nicest and cleanest demonstration of classicism in Slovakia.

The last noble owner of the castle was the Archduke Joseph August Habsburg with his wife the Archduchess Augusta after 1890. This couple had lived in the castle until 1918 when the first Czechoslovak Republic was established. The castle was nationalized and became the summer residence of the Presidents of the Republic.

Title: Castle of Topolcianky
Date of Issue: 18 June 2010
Country: Slovakia
Denominations: 0,40 €

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Historic venue puts its stamp on Royal history


Preston's legendary Hoghton Tower has played host to the launch of a set of special Royal Mail stamps partly inspired by events at the venue.

Royal Mail chiefs were at the tower this week to launch the royal House of Stuart stamps, part of the company's Kings and Queens series.

The venue was chosen because, as legend has it, it is where King James I is reported to have once been so impressed with the quality of beef served to him, he knighted it as 'Sir Loin'.

The seven stamps feature portraits of the monarchs of the royal House of Stuart, who ruled for more than a century during an unprecedented period of turmoil.

James I is shown on one of two First Class stamps, the other depicting his son Charles I.

FILATEM 2010 Stamp Exhibition


On occasion of the celebration of FILATEM 2010 in the city of Aviles from the 19 to the 26 of June, Spain issues a stamp depicting the Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre to be inaugurated in 2010 in this town in Asturias. Both the Spanish Central Government and the Principality of Asturias are involved in the project. It will be a cultural complex of international importance, attracting knowledge and artistic creations that will contribute to the economic and urban regeneration of the Estuary of Aviles, which is undergoing a complete industrial transformation.

The Thematic Philatelic Exhibition FILATEM Aviles 2010 is one of the most important events in thematic philately and for the first time, besides international participants such as France and Portugal, there will also be collections from Brasil, Cuba and United States. Coinciding with FILATEM, the city of Aviles celebrates its twinning with the towns of San Agustin de la Florida (USA), Cardenas (Cuba) and Saint Nazaire (France).

FILATEM 2010 is sponsored by Correos, the Spanish Post Company, and will take place in El Quirinal where 300 to 350 frames will be shown displaying 600 to 700 exhibits of adult exhibitors from the different Federations whose thematic collections will be displayed for competition. In FILATEM Aviles 2010, Correos and the Real Casa de la Moneda (National Mint) are represented with institutional stands.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

700th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Bohemia


Jean 1st of Luxembourg, known as “the Blind”, was born on 10 August 1296 in Altmünster castle in Luxembourg. He was the son of Henri VII, count of Luxembourg and Holy Roman Emperor, and of Marguerite of Brabant (1276-1311). In 1310 he married Elisabeth Premyslovna (1292-1330), sister of Venceslas III, the last king of the Premyslid dynasty of Bohemia. As a result of this marriage, Jean of Luxembourg became king of Bohemia in 1310 and, because of this title, a prince elector of the Holy Roman Empire. At the time of the death of his father in 1313, he did not succeed him as emperor because of his young age (17 years).

Half French by his education (his maternal grandmother was Marguerite, a daughter of Saint Louis), Jean of Luxembourg was caught up in the struggle for empire between the Habs burgs and the Wittelsbachs, siding with the latter.

The foreign policy of Jean of Luxembourg, little understood at the time, was, without doubt, a modern and dynamic policy. Because of him, and especially because of his son Charles IV, French and Italian culture was brought to Bohemia. One must also credit Jean of Luxembourg for the improvement of relations with France, his fondness for this country beginning a long history of amicable Czech-French relations.

Charles IV, King of Bohemia and head of the House of Luxembourg, played an important role. He drew his power and his resources from his great territorial possessions.

In fact, he favoured Bohemia: It was in Prague that the first German university was opened in 1347; numerous monuments were built there; it became a great European capital. Charles then seized Brandenburg in 1373, the upper Palatinate around Ratisbonne, and Lusace and reunited them with Bohemia. The House of Luxembourg ruled the Kingdom of Bohemia from 1310 to 1347 through Jean of Luxembourg, Charles IV, Venceslas IV and Sigismond.

Title: 700th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Bohemia
Date of Issue: 16 June 2010
Country: Luxembourg
Denominations: 0,70€

PHILALUX 2011


International philatelic exhibitions have a long tradition in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: the first was held in 1952 and following that, others almost every 10 years since. The last international exhibition of this type in Luxembourg goes back to 1998 with the JUVALUX youth philatelic exhibition which exhibitors there at the time still fondly recall.

In this spirit, the Federation of Philatelic Societies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (FSPL) and P&TLuxembourg have the pleasure of announcing once again an international postage stamp exhibition from 28 April to 1 May 2011 at the “LuxExpo” exhibition centre in Luxembourg. This exhibition will interest postal administrations, stamp dealers and European collectors. It benefits from the patronage of the European Federation of Philatelic Associations (FEPA) as well as the recognition of the International Philately Federation (FIP). The organizers plan a rich program for this international exhibition in order to attract attendees from Luxembourg and neighboring areas to the LuxExpo halls.

Title: PHILALUX 2011
Date of Issue: 16 June 2010
Country: Luxembourg
Denominations: 0,50 €, 3,00 €, 0,70 €

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Petrels and Shearwaters on Stamps

The oceans which surround the Falkland Islands are particularly rich in petrels and shearwaters (Procellaridae) which are among the most successful of all the world's bird families. The word Procellaridae derives from the Latin word procella (violent wind) and idae (family). All 80 species in this family are adapted to fly in wind and tend to be more concentrated in the windier latitudes. This issue features the four largest Procellarids which are known to breed in the Islands.

Hong Kong marks International Year of Biodiversity

The United Nations declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity to promote the awareness of ecological balance. In response to this meaningful endeavour, Hongkong Post dedicates this edition to living creatures inhabiting Hong Kong with a set of 4 stamps displaying images of species endemic to Hong Kong.

Musical Instruments of the Middle East on Israeli Stamps


The main theme in each of the five stamps is an ancient Eastern instrument accompanied by a modern Western instrument whose roots may be traced back to that Eastern instrument.

The stamps feature:

- Darbuka and Drum
- Zurna and Oboe
- Qanun and Piano
- Oud and Guitar
- Rabbaba and Violin

The stamp tabs and lower sections feature Oriental rugs from the Middle East and Central Asia.

FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa commemorative postage stamp from Croatia

Croatian Post has commemorated the start of one of the most important sporting events in the world, which takes place from 11 June to 11 July, with the release of a football-themed postage stamp.

The stamp was designed by Dean Roksandic, Zagreb.

It was printed in 200.000 copies, in sheets of nine stamps.