Putting together Peru’s 2021 stamps was interesting and fun. Although I have a number of airmails from the country, this was my first serious look. Servicios Postales del Perú (SERPOST) issues high quality materials for each stamp by way of images & information pdfs. I have a thing for info bulletins, especially if attention has been paid to the layout. Peru is top of the class when it comes to this.
If you download SERPOST pdfs, you can open them in Word and translate each. Keep them and use them for future references. I keep all pdfs I find and at the end of the year will combine them into a working catalogue. They are free to download and great source refence materials. You can download them from Philately – SERPOST. Here’s a sample of what the info bulletins look like:
I love the layout so much, I’m thinking about posting the cover page for each stamp below. As much effort was put into each bulletin as the actual stamps and I think they are perfect companion pieces.
Two artists/designers
Every set comes in single stamps or mini sheets, a FDC & cancel. SERPOST designers are Marco Antonio Quispe Yalli and Jorge Anci. I tried to find details about each, but so far, nothing substantial. That isn’t unusual, but I’ll keep looking.
History, history and OMG the history
Unlike details about SERPOST’s artists, finding info about the stamp topics was a snap. And … that is why this article took longer than anticipated. Each pdf info bulletin was a great start and encouraged me to go spelunking for more information. I kept falling over fascinating articles about bits and pieces of Peru’s history and people. It was hard to reign myself in. Peru is a prime example of excellent stamp designs exploring the stories about the people and country they live in. The designs are so vivid and colourful they make you want to know more.
I’ve included helpful links throughout the article for you. If you have more to share, post them below.
Cancel heaven
If you’re a cancel hound, Peru is good pickings. I’ve included large versions of each cancels. If you want to see the fine details on each, just click them. Here’s an example:
The compass engraving is delicate and detailed. It’s hard to believe such clarity can be translated to a small postmark. Each cancel is worth examining close up to take in all the work.
July
200 Years of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru 1821-2021
Peru’s post office, SERPOST, issued 2 pdf bulletins for this series. It includes a short write up of each person. Although, they are in Spanish, they are easily translated using Google Translate.
Designer: Marco Antonio Quispe Yalli
Release date: July 21, 2021
Flag of Peru
5 stamps on a mini sheet, FDC, cancel
Designer: Marco Antonio Quispe Yalli
Release date: July 23, 2021
Coat of arms of Peru
3 stamps, FDC, cancel
Designer: Marco Antonio Quispe Yalli
Release date: July 23, 2021
Landing of José de San Martín and the Liberating Expedition in Paracas
200 Years of Creation of the Army of Republican Peru
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: August 26, 2021
100 Years of the Birth of Chabuca Granda
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 2, 2021
September
Year of the Rat Lunar New Year 2020
front page of info bulletin
1 stamp on a mini sheet, FDC, cancel
Not sure why this is so late, but Peru seems to issue their Lunar New Year stamp well after the celebration. I’ve included the front cover from the pdf info bulletin because it’s so beautiful. You can download it free direct from SERPOST. Philately – SERPOST
Designer: Marco Antonio Quispe Yalli
Release date: Sept. 6, 2021
Tribute to the Heroes of the Fight Against COVID-19
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 9, 2021
Monument for the Centennial of the Republic of Peru – Arco Morisco
1 stamp on a mini sheet, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 13, 2021
Monument for the Centenary of the Republic of Peru – Museum of Italian Art
1 stamp on a mini sheet, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 15, 2021
Monument for the Centennial of the Republic of Peru – Ornamental Fountain
1 stamp on a mini sheet, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 17, 2021
First Cry of Independence in Huaura 1820
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 20, 2021
Monument for the Centennial of the Republic of Peru – Fountain of the Three Figures
1 stamp on a mini sheet, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 23, 2021
Monument for the Centennial of the Republic of Peru – Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre
1 stamp on a mini sheet, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 27, 2021
Monument for the Centennial of the Republic of Peru – Statue of Liberty
1 stamp on a mini sheet, FDC, cancel
Designer: Jorge Anci
Release date: Sept. 30, 2021
October
Monument for the Centennial of the Republic of Peru – Old National Stadium
Malta’s 2021 stamps offer collectors stamps, mini sheets, FDCs and presentation packs along with some decent postmarks. As well as the various covers and postmarks, etc., Malta also participates in the yearly EUROMED, EUROPA & SEPAC competitions. This year they serve up some excellent maps & wildlife stamps.
The bulk of Malta’s stamps are designed by MaltaPost p.l.c., and no specific names identified. Which is a shame, I’d love to know more about the designers behind stamps. However, a few independent artist from Malta are identified. Two notables are Andrew Micallef and Madeleine Gera who shared artistic duties with the January Healthcare Heroes portraits. This is an amazing set.
Of the trio, I think the middle stamp by Madeleine Gera is the most powerful. Most countries have issued Covid/Healthcare worker stamps, but Malta’s are striking because they reveal the staggering exhaustion in their faces. Madeleine Gera studied at the Scuola di Arte Grafica, Il Bissonte and has gone on to explore concepts of beauty in Maltese artwork via her MA thesis ‘The Concept of Beauty in 19th Century Maltese Painting’. I’ve gone back to her website numerous times to examine her artwork. To date, this looks like her first stamp for Malta. It would be interesting to see her explore her thesis via stamps.
The second notable is Malta’s 2021 Europa series by Sean Dingli This is his first stamp designs for MaltaPost and we’ll likely see more in the future. He specialises in microphotography, or as he puts it on his Instagram bio “The How? The What?? and The WOW!”
After seeing his other microphotography works, I’m hoping Malta taps him to do a series based on what he does best, ‘’A hidden beauty can be found in the unseen, hidden micro world. To experience such wonder, you just need a different perspective’’.
Cancels
While not as ornate as some postmarks, Malta’s are first class. They tend more towards the minimalist feel, rather than richly detailed, but they are powerful. The EUROPA chameleon cancel is an example of the work
I love this cancel for many reasons. It’s simple, clean and beautifully rendered. And, it’s kind of charming in a chameleon sort of way. Let me know what you think and which is your favourite.
Enjoy the 2021 year from Malta.
January
Malta Healthcare Heroes COVID-19
sheets of 10
FDC & presentation pack
3 stamps, sheets of 10, FDC, cancel, souvenir sheet
Artists/Designers: Male healthcare worker – Andrew Micallef Female healthcare workers- Madeleine Gera
.20 Giovanni Giacomo De Rossi an Italian printer and cartographer, published in Rome in 1686 titled ISOLA DI MALTA GOZZO COMINO E COMINOTTO
.50 Dutch cartographer Johannes Jansonnius, published around 1650 titled INSVLAE MELITAE Vulgo MALTE Nova et accurata Description
.63 French cartographer Bernard Antoine Jaillot and published in 1734 titled CARTE PARTICULIERE DES ISLES / DE MALTE du Goze et du Cuming
1.25 German cartographer Georg Matthaus Seutter the Elder published in c.1725 titled MELITE vulgo MALTA cum vicinis GOZA, quae olim GAULOS, et COMINO insulis
Designer: MaltaPost p.l.c.
Release date: May 28, 2021.
June
HRH Prince Philip 2021
sheets of 10
FDC & presentation pack
3 stamps, 3 sheets of 10, FDC, cancel presentation pack
100th Anniversary – Birth of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh
Designer: MaltaPost p.l.c.
Release date: June 10, 2021
July
EUROMED – Handicraft Jewellery in the Mediterranean
3 stamps, FDC, cancel
a set of earrings ‘Tais’
a Maltese Cross pendant
seed pearl brooch
All three 19th century pieces are made from gold, and embellished with seed pearls. These three pieces of Jewelry were displayed in the 2013 exhibition ‘Vanity, Profanity and Worship: Jewelry from the Maltese Islands’ organised by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and held at the Casino Maltese, Valletta. Maltapost Philately – EUROMED – Handicraft Jewelry in the Mediterranean (maltaphilately.com)
Designer: MaltaPost p.l.c. Images: Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti
Release date: July 12, 2021
Olympic Games 2020
sheets of 10
FC & presentation pack
3 stamps, 3 sheets of 10, FDC, cancel, presentation pack
Designer: Aidan Cassar
Release date: July 23, 2021
August
Special cancel 800th anniversary of St. Dominic’s death
Special handstamp available through the Castille Square Post Office
Release date: Aug. 6, 2021
30 years of One Radio Broadcasting
Special handstamp available through the MaltaPost Head Office in Marsa
Francisco de Tassis who was a 15th century pioneer of the postal service in Europe and tasked by Emperor Maximillian I to reform the courier system in Burgundy and the Netherlands. In time, this new postal system grew as deTassis founded new postal stations in major European cities, thereby guaranteeing a complete service over the years. De Tassis commercialised this service by establishing fast and stable connections which evolved into the globalised postal network service we have today. Maltapost Philately – EUROPA 2020 – ‘ANCIENT POSTAL ROUTES’ (maltaphilately.com)
Designer: Miguel Farrugia
Release date: May 9, 2020
Moldovia
sheets of 10
mini sheet
booklet
first airmail | 1812 mail route
First airmail route 1926. Compagnie Franco-Roumaine de Navigation Aérienne – CFRNA flew the route ran from Bucharest – Galaţi – Chişinău and Bălţi.
Steamship lines were created during the Ottoman period. Austrian Lloyd established routes from Trieste, Istanbul, Rhodes, Lamarca and Beirut. Second lines were operated by P&O with steamships running between Istanbul & Beirut. Third line run by Captain Bell’s Asia Minor Company (depicted in the FDC) ran steamers between Beirut and the Levant.
Designer: G.K. Sonmezer
Release date: Sept. 10, 2020
Norway – Vindhella Road
mini sheet
FDC
gold FDC
Also comes in booklet & presentation pack format
Vindhella Road is an ancient mountainous route that connects Oslo to Bergen. Postmen walked this dangerous route with mail bags slung on their back.
Poland – 16th century mail delivery along the Vistula River
sheet of 6
FDC
First Prize winner – Juried
16th century routes along the Vistula River, with major stops along the route Kraków, Sandomierz, Warsaw, Toruń, Elbląg, Gdańsk.
Russia – Kholmogory postroad (Arkhangelsk — Vologda — Yaroslavl — Moscow) and
sheet of 8
FDC
Designer: O. Shushlebina
Release date: Jan. 15, 2020
San Marino – 1607 postman at start of journey & completion
sheet of 12
First stamp postman on foot heading to Monte Titano
Second stamp arriving at Porta del Paese
Designer: Marina Marcolin
Release date: March 24, 2020
Serbia – sahiyas | ferries & boats
FDC
sheets of 8
Pedestrian messengers – sahiyas, especially on shorter distances and in difficult terrains where pedestrians were quicker than horses. Sahiyas were hardy, lean people, armed, dressed appropriately, and wore jingle bells under the left knee as a sign of recognition. The jingling announced their arrival in a populated place, and the bells helped them keep the rhythm while striding Пригодна издања – 2020 – еФилателија (posta.rs)
Stamp one – ancient Roman carriage with coachman and two horses based on a relief on the Church of Our Lady in Maria Saal
Stamp two – postillion, a post ride with a post horn based on a famous famous print of a postillion that appeared on a handbill announcing end of the Thirty Year’s War (1618-1648)
Fedir Feketa lived in the village of Tury Remety in Transcarpathia.
Fyodor Feketa (1789 – 1838) worked as a postman at the local foundry and daily for 30 years on foot delivered correspondence at any time of the year in any weather. Several times a week he traveled 25 km from Tury Remet to Uzhgorod, received mail there and returned to his native village. His path ran along mountain paths, where you had to move through mountain rivers. Feket was revered by fellow villagers and called “ambassador” for his excellent work. Ukrposhta’s new brand with Transcarpathian postman nominated for best in Europe
Colonia Axernias (Terracina), with a stretch of the Appia Route.
Colonia Iulia (Turin), with the intersection of its main roads, the Cardo Massimo (North-South direction) with the Decumanus Maximus (East-West direction)
The EUROPA 2020 – Old Postal Routes competition produced a spectacular thematic year. The only thing that could have made it more exciting would be changing it to “Early Airmail Routes”. Although Europa stamps date to 1952, the competition didn’t start until 2002. Each year a theme is picked and participating countries design stamps that capture the topic. Not all Europa members participate in the competition, and a few stamps were issued too late to be included in the voting.
As well, not all stamps are considered in the voting process. I’ve opted to post all the stamps, not just the ones under consideration. Sometimes a set expresses a bigger story than a single stamp can fully explain.
Europa competition themes
Subjects are announced well in advance, giving postal authorities plenty of time to plan their entries. Topics offer countries the chance to showcase their nation & stamp designers. It’s an interesting competition, which has gone from strength to strength. Well, with the exception of the first year – Circuses. Far too many clowns to enjoy the year. Thanks Stephen King for ruining clowns forever.
2025 – National Archaeological Discoveries
2024 – National Archaeological Discoveries Underwater Fauna & Flora has been moved to 2024.
2023 – Underwater Fauna & Flora On Apr. 25, 2025 PostEurop changed the theme to PEACE – the highest value of humanity
2020’s theme was Old Postal Routes. Some post offices called it ancient, some old. The topic was titled Ancient Postal Routes, but I’ve opted to use old for most of the article because shifting between ancient and old became irritating so I picked one format and stuck with it throughout the article.
Regardless, this theme turned into a fascinating trip through the evolution of mail services across Europe. Along the way, I learned quite a bit about early mail delivery. I often think of the post office in modern terms – use a stamp and off it goes. Many of the stamps in this series pay tribute to routes that predate the use of postage stamps and allude to the dangers messengers faced during their journeys.
55 countries can compete in 2 categories: juried & popular. The popular category is picked by the public. No specific criteria is required in this category. Online voting takes place over a number of months with the stamp with the most votes winning.
Juried voting considered two questions:
What was it like when “mobility was quite reduced, and travelling a dangerous activity”?
How did the Postal systems start?
This year’s EUROPA Stamps theme will answer these questions by depicting some of the most famous routes and traveling methods which paved the way to improve connectivity throughout the globe. From famous ships to wonderful carriages, we will see a historical variety of beautiful elements which constitute the rich postal heritage. Travelling the Ancient Routes via EUROPA Stamps, POST EUROP press release
Covid effect
The “reduced mobility” question weirdly foreshadowed the current pandemic. When the topic was picked, no one envisioned how it would resonate in in a locked down world. Last year’s topic tied into the Covid pandemic in an unexpected way. 2020’s theme emphasized the life of postal couriers and the dangers that accompanied their jobs. The pandemic reminded many of how vital communication is and how difficult front line service can be. 2020’s juried winner was picked in part, because it reminded the judges of the vital “human aspect” of mail service.
“This year virtual jury-meeting brought a very high-quality result and five really fascinating stamp designs as short-listed winners of the international competition 2020. As the theme – old postal routes, was not an easy task, we were really surprised by the artists solutions. Especially the winning design from Poland with its special proportions in vertical format expressed the theme in a perfect manner – colours and technique of the artwork are really modern and perfect for a small stamp. The same can be said about the other four short-listed winners from Switzerland, Germany, Ukraine and the Faroe Islands. The whole set of the jury’s favourites shows big parallels: The Focus on riding or walking postal couriers or mailmen, the focus on the ”human aspect“ behind the postal delivery system and their adventurous and sometimes dangerous journey in former times convinced us and also the other jury members. Chapeau!” said expert jurors Stefan Klein and Olaf Neumann, our recurring judges from Kommunikations Design in Germany. News (posteurop.org)
I agree with their assessment. The artistry across all designs is eye riveting. 2020 postal routes created some of the best stamp designs since the inception of the competition (including 2021’s stamps).
Poland’s winning entry
This long stamp was certainly eye catching. Maciej Jędrysik’s design followed 16th century routes along the Vistula River, with major stops along at Kraków, Sandomierz, Warsaw, Toruń, Elbląg, Gdańsk. If you look closely at this stamp, you’ll see different methods of delivery tied into the design – foot, horse & ship delivery.
Second prize was an unusual 4 way tie between Faroe Islands, Switzerland, Ukraine and Germany.
Faroe Islands
This is an intriguing stamp that explores the dangers of mail delivery in icey, remote areas. The map on the top left, shows the mail route from Klaksvík – Viðareiði. The yellow line traces the tragic route Jacob Eliassen (1836 – 1887) took when he plunged to his death during a delivery in 1887.
The second half of the stamp, Postmen of the Mountains, follows the red route on the map. Two postmen found themselves trapped by a storm at Breytarstígar and were forced to build a makeshift shelter to protect themselves. Unlike Eliassen, both these men survived their journey.
Second row map shows the route Vestmanna – Vágar, rowed by Ólavur Olsen (1855 – 1947). Initially the route was undertaken by men in rowboats, a treacherous trip that was banned in 1920.
You can read more about the stamps & the history they depict here Stamps.fo
This pair of Swiss stamps was created with the cooperation of Germany. The stamps follow the 14th c route established by the legendary House Thurn and Taxis. The route begins in Rheinhausen, Germany and travels to Milan and Mantua, with stops in Zurich and Basel.
Germany
Deutsche Post issued this medieval Thurn & Taxis route, which was a nice companion piece to the Swiss stamps. The stamp depicts a mail rider on one leg of the Frankfurt to Vienna route. Established in 1490, it is considered the first permanent postal route in the Holy Roman Empire.
Ukraine – postman Fedir Feketa
This was an immensely popular stamp in Ukraine. The story of Fedir Feketa (1789 – 1838), a beloved Ukrainian, speaks to the heart of the theme. It captures the human aspect better than any stamp in the competition. Feketa delivered mail on foot, for 30 years. He walked the 25 km route from Tury Remet to Uzhgorod, a couple times each week, travelling through mountainous routes and rivers to safely deliver mail throughout the Carpathian mountains.
EUROPA 2020 Popular Vote Gold Stamp – Turkey
Overall winner of the popular vote was Turkey with 38,000 votes. It turns out, Turkey is the country to beat, with previous wins 2018, 2017, 2015, 2013 and 2011. Historic routes depicted in this stamp include boats, horse messenger & foot. It’s a delightful stamp that echoes medieval art work.
Second place Armenia
This stamp shows the city of Gyumri, considered the cultural and political centre of Armenia in the 19th century.
Third place Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan’s created a playful set. Depending on how the stamps are arranged, they could be couriers going or returning.
These stamps depict mounted couriers from the first postal routes established in the 15th c by Shah Ismail I (1487-1524).
My favourites
Of course it had to be the sole entry with a biplane. Biplanes and maps will always be a winning combination. Moldova’s set is spectacular. The stamp celebrates the first airmail deliver in Moldova (1926), and designer Vitaliu Pogolşa strong illustrations grabbed my attention.
My second pick – well, there were so many, but I loved the Albanian stamp. Unfortunately it arrived too late for the competition, but that doesn’t lessen it’s over all appeal to me.
Third – pigeon post from Bosnia-Herzegovina (JP BH). Pigeon post is often neglected when we talk about postal delivery, but it played an interesting part in the evolution of mail delivery.
Best overall cancel
This isn’t a category in the competition, but should be. Cancels are much underrated as far as artwork goes and aren’t given nearly the attention they deserve.
Hungary’s post horn cancel is exquisite. It was a hard pick, but this was by far the outstanding cancel of 2020. The level of detail in this cancel is wonderful.
I found getting clean scans of all cancels impossible, and did the best I could. If you have a better image and would like to share it, drop me a line in the comments.
Quick note
I wasn’t able to cull details about all stamps. When possible, I’ve included interesting features and/or links for more information. Feel free to add details you think people might enjoy. Just drop a mention in the comments. If you spot any errors, please let me know. I appreciate it when readers reach out and offer corrections.
Some post office’s don’t do a good job promoting the designers and artists, so any help you can offer regarding the missing designers would be appreciated.
If you’d like to be notified when updates to this page are made, sign up for the newsletter. Use the pop up form or go to the home page and use the link in the middle of the page. As always, I’ll be poking around different history sites and making trips to my local reference library to find more information for this page.
Europa 2020 Old Postal Routes – A
Åland – Postal Boat Race across the Sea of Åland
This stamp shows the Postal Boat Race across the sea of Åland. The race, which began in 1974, follows the 400 year old postal route between Aland and Sweden.
The first mail run across Åland to Finland departed from Sweden in 1638. The crossing between Grisslehamn and Eckerö was to be known as one of the most dangerous postal routes in the world, particularly during times of treacherous ice and snow conditions; more than 200 farmer-postmen lost their lives. Aland Post Office
Designer: David Lundberg
Release date: May 20, 2021
Albania
1 stamp, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel
Issued too late for the competition
Designer: Artion Baboçi
Of all the Albanian designs, this one stands at the top of my “Best Design” list for Albanian stamps. This stamp captures the spirit of the 2020 Europa competition and captures a great deal of history in the design.
Release date: Feb. 22, 2021
Andorra (France) – map of postal route through Andorra
Stamp shows city of Gyumri, the 19th century cultural and political centre of Armenia
Designer: David Dovlatyan
Release date: May 9, 2020
Austria – Historical Postal Routes Thurn and Taxis
The Thurn and Taxis family, then called Tassis, began providing mail courier services for the Italian city-states in the 13th Century. By the 16th Century, they had a monopoly on postal services, operating a network of postal routes in Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary, and the Low Countries. At the peak of their operations, they employed some 20,000 messengers to deliver mail and newspapers. Thurn and Taxis – A Brief History (stamp-collecting-world.com)
These stamps show a gasid (post rider) and Medieval postal routes. Shah Ismail Khatai in 1501 established the gasid messengers.
Topics:
1,5 manat. Depiction of a gasid (post rider) on horseback.
0,5 manat. In the foreground is shown a gasid (post rider) on horseback. The background depicts a map showing Baku, Shamakhi and Tabriz.
0,6 manat. In the foreground is shown a gasid (post rider) on horseback. The background depicts a map showing Derbent, Shamakhy, Nakhchivan, Ganja and Irevan.
Designer: Vugar Eyyubov Eyyubov is Azermarka’s chief designer and responsible for many of Azerbaijan’s outstanding stamps
First stamp shows a foot messenger with a special travel document on the Krakow – Warsaw – Goradnya – Vilna route approved by the Grand Duke of Lithuania Stefan Batory in 1583
Second stamp shows a horse messenger on the Vilna – Maladzeczna – Mensk – Barysau – Drutsk – Orsha – Smalensk. It was established by the Grand Duke of Lithuania Zhigimont the Old in 1528
Bosnia-Herzegovina (Croatia) FBiH – Roman Messenger Service
The Roman Messenger Service, initially called vehiculatio later cursus publicus, was founded by Emperor Augustus between 27 and 20 BC. For Emperor Septimius Severo (193-211) cursus publicus is divided into two parts: fast (cursus velox) and slow (cursus claburalis). A wagon and a silver penny from the Roman Consul L. Saufeius (152 BC) were chosen as motifs on the stamps. Croatian Post Mostar
Designer: Marin Musa
Release date: May 9, 2021
Bosnia-Herzegovina (Serbian) RS – horse messenger and rail
According to preserved records dating back to the Ottoman Empire, the first post offices on the territory of present-day Republika Srpska opened in 1864. Year. Visegrad, Zvornik, Bijeljina, Brcko, Gradiska and Brod were the first to receive postal stations. Europe -ancient-postal -routes – Web portal Post Office Srpske (postesrpske.com)
Designer: Tanja Kuruzovic
Release date: April 15, 2020
Bosnia-Herzegovina (JP BH) – Sarajevo to Istanbul pigeon post
… built from 1825 to 1832 and is considered the first modern road that connected continental Croatia and Dalmatia. It was built by the famous builder of Croatian roads of the time, border officer Josip Kajetan Knežić. Precisely because of the high quality of design and construction, it was called the “Master Road”. At the end of 1833, traffic was established once a week by postage carriages (dilizansa) between Vienna and Zadar Croatian Post – Europe – old postal routes
In the Czech lands, the development of postage began only with the advent of the Habsburgs. Regular mail, organized news transport in today’s territory of the Czech Republic is associated with the election of Ferdinand I as Czech king and was created even before Habsburg took the Czech throne, already in 1526. Ferdinand I used the services and experience of the aristocratic Taxis family, who since the end of the 13th century have almost monopolized postal transport in northern Italy and much of Europe. The oldest postal route between Prague and Vienna led through Tábor and further into the area of Košice, where it was divided into two branches. The southern one was heading for Linz, the eastern branch led through Jindrichuv Hradec and Slavonice further towards Vienna. Czech Post (postaonline.cz)
Designer: Jan Maget
Release date: April 4, 2020
Denmark – 1624 route Copenhagen and Altona
1624 route between Copenhagen and Altona near Hamburg. Established by Christian IV
Designer: Triin Heimann
Heimann is a prolific designer for Estonia’s post office. He has designed most of the Lunar New Year stamps, including the 2021 one.
From horse-drawn wheelbarrows, to trunks without shock absorbers and with two wheels, to the 1830s briska model equipped with a convertible, postal vehicles always knew how to find the light on the relay station at night, because “to run the post ”suffered no interruption… La Poste
Illustration: Stéphane Humbert-Basset Engraving: Line Filhon
Release date: May 11, 2020
EUROPA 2020 – Old Postal Routes – G
Georgia
Release date: Oct. 30, 2020
Germany – Thurn und Taxis routes
Medieval postal routes – Thurn und Taxis
1490, the Roman-German king and later Emperor Maximilian I commissioned the brothers Janetto and Francesco de Tasso to establish a postal connection. With the help of their family, they created the Dutch postal exchange, on which letters could be sent from Innsbruck to the Netherlands and as far as Italy.
This postal exchange is considered to be the first permanently operated, centrally organized postal route in the Holy Roman Empire and the year 1490 as the founding year of the modern European postal system. Along the route, post stations were built where riders and horses changed and the messengers handed over the broadcasts to each other like a relay (relay system). Deutsche Poste Issue 8, 2020
The P&O was a profitable business entity at the time when it was awarded the mail contract between England and Alexandria, and between Suez and Calcutta. Securing the contract to Singapore and Hong Kong further cemented its position in the region.4 At the time, steamers took 140 hours to travel from Ceylon to Penang, 45 hours from Penang to Singapore, where there was a 48-hour stopover, before completing its journey to Hong Kong in another 170 hours.5
The Lady Mary Wood began its maiden voyage from London on 24 June 1845 and arrived in Singapore on 4 August 1845, after an eight-day passage from Point de Galle, Sri Lanka. It brought mail from London in a record time of 41 days. On its return journey, the mail steamer carried a total of 4,757 letters from Singapore, the bulk of which were bound for Great Britain and Europe. By 1848, the standard practice was to raise a red flag on Government Hill (today’s Fort Canning Hill) in the day to signal the arrival of mail from Europe and a yellow flag for mail from China, while a gun was fired at night.Lady Mary Wood | Infopedia (nlb.gov.sg)
The SS Iberia was another P&O mail ship. It ran under the Iberian Peninsula mail contract.
Designer: Stephen Perera Illustration / Photography: Beatrice Garcia
50p: Earl of Chesterfield – 78 ton oak cutter. Captured in 1811 by privateer L’Epervier
68p: Ariadne – 3 mast paddle steamer. Captained by J. Bazin on the Southampton to Guernsey & Jersey route around 1823
70p: Antelope – 672 gross ton ship that sailed for Great Western Rail along the Weymouth-Channel Islands. Maiden voyage 1889
85p: Alberta – South & Western Railway single funnel ship that sailed in1900. Sailed the Southhampton to Channel Islands until 1930, including during the Great War
95p: Isle of Guernsey – First sailed inn 1930 and sailed extensively around the Channel islands until WW2. During the war she was converted to a hospital ship and served in the Dunkirk evacuation. One of the first ships to be fitted with son
£1.02: Sarnia – 308 ft ship sailed 1960. The 3989 ton vessel traveled the Channel Island route
In the territory of Hungary at the time of Louis the Great in the 14th century, guilds established postal routes, which, besides their own correspondence, carried the letters of private individuals, while travelling merchants and craftsmen took the messages and orders of customers to distant places. One of the most well-known postal routes was that of the butchers. Armed drivers escorting cattle from the Hungarian Great Plain to markets abroad carried the correspondence of the cities and their burghers based on individual instructions. Magyar Posta Ltd. – EUROPA2020: Ancient postal routes
Images on the stamps show brass signage used by butcher’s guilds and an ornate horn.
The mini sheet shows the work of László Balla, The Butchers’ Post Progressing Through Hungary and Diligence Crossing the Hortobágy Plain
Taking inspiration from religious art, using a quadriptych (four quadrant layout), the stamps tell the story of the journey of a letter during the Middle Ages An Post – Media centre | An Post July 16, 2020
First stamp: medieval monk preparing a letter and then carrying it overseas by boat
Second stamp: shows the message being carried onward by horseback and the delivery of the message to the recipient, a medieval prioress
FDC follows the travels of artist Orlagh Murphy, an 11th century cleric who traveled between the Vatican and Dublin
Designer: Red&Grey based on artist Orlagh Murphy’s work
This is an extensive set of stamps & covers for the 400th anniversary of Mayflower. Not all stamps in this set were part of the Europa set.
Designer: Caleb Johnson, IOM Stamps & Coins
Release date: April 22, 2020
Italy – postal roads
postcards
folder
card
info bulletin
Stamp one Campania and Lazio as show in the 1930 Charter of postal communications and the Kingdom of Italy
Stamp two 1695 Italian peninsula showing the its extensive postal system roads
Release date: June 29, 2020
Jersey – mail ships
presentation pack one
presentation pack two
mini sheet
FDC
sheets of 10
Designer: Martin Mörck
Mörck is one of the premier stamp designers & engravers in the world. The Norwegian artist has has designed over 600 stamps for countries such as for Norway, Faroe Islands, Jersey, Latvia and Canada.
Kosovo – delivery carts on cobble roads |postman on foot
FDC
Designers: D. Luta & L. Ademi FDC & cancel designer: Hyrije Ademi
Release date: June 10, 2020
Europa 2020 – L
Latvia – horse messenger | bike delivery
mini sheet
sheets of 10
FDC
Designer: Ludis Danilāns
Release date: May 8, 2020
Liechtenstein – stage coach | mounted messenger | boat post
postcards
FDC
mini sheet
This was a transport service that operated between the trading centres at the time in Lindau at Lake Constance and the Italian city of Milan up to 1826 and carried goods, money and letters. It is assumed that the Lindau Messenger was already travelling along the arduous route, which reached its peak on the Splügen Pass at 2113 metres above sea level, on a fairly regular basis towards the end of the 15th century. Stamp issue information – Philatelie Liechtenstein
Time to look at Romania 2021 stamp issues. And if there’s one thing Romania does well, it’s art stamps. They have a long history of issuing great works of art on stamps and it’s so exciting to see Romanian artists showcased. That’s one thing I love about stamps, it’s fun to learn about a different country, whether it’s the wildlife, history or people, there’s always something.
Take a little extra time on the Theodor Pallady issues. I’m especially fond of his Paris Street scene. The stamp design does away with the traditional faming and allows the painting to take over the entire scene. It’s a well done bit of eye candy. The other series that stands out is the Ciprian Porumbescu, musician and composer. Some of his music can be found on YouTube, but I’ve kick started your journey with a link to a piece he wrote, a ballad for violin & orchestra. It’s a calm and charming piece of music. I listened to it while setting up this article and realised I now have a new musician to add to my list.
I’m trying something a bit different or thematic collectors. A number of the subjects have appeared on previous issues and I’m trying to post the information. Tons of stamps to comb through, so please be patient.
More information please
I’ve tried to supply some information for you, and will be adding more in the coming months. It’s not easy finding good English language sources on many of the subjects, which is a crying shame. I lurk around Romanian language sites and use Google or Bing translate, but I can only ask so much of you. I’ll find some new sources. I’ll let you in on a secret, I have pages on Romania bookmarked and go visit them quite often. It’s one of those countries, off the beaten path that would be great to explore. Maybe one day I’ll get there. Well now, that’s not a secret any more.
Oh, and I’m still researching the stamp designers. I’ll have details soon.
January
Collections of Lost Museums – Simu Museum
4 stamps, 4 sheets of 4, 2 FDCs, cancel
Simu Museum (founded by Anastase and Elena Simu) was opened May 21, 1910 and held 624 works of art. It continued to grow over the years, and held a large collection of Romanian art.
In 1960, the Communist government tore the building down and dispersed the collection to two museums.
The works of art represented in these four stamps are: Anastase Simu, a bust sculpted by Frederick Storck; a still life painted by Marius Bunescu: Pears; a Marine painting by Eugen Voinescu; Venice, work of the painter Stefan Popescu.
The Bucharest Museum has a short video featuring photos of the Simus as well as the museum. Although no in English, it is easy to follow and understand. Translations aren’t really needed.
The following pages are in Romanian. Most English language pages on these artists are brief to the point of being useless. Use Google translate.
Mihai Eminescu: poet Mihai Eminescu – Wikipedia
Some of his poems have been translated and you can try them here Mihai Eminescu – Poems by the Famous Poet – All Poetry
Previously portrayed on stamps: 1989 – Personalities, 1950 – 100th Birthday of Eninescu and 1975 – 125th birthday, 2000 – 150th birthday (great souvenir sheet)
Designer: Mihail Vămăşescu
Release date: Jan 15, 2021
The passions of the Kings of Romania (I)
POSTMARK PLACE: Bucharest
4 stamps, 4 sheets of 5, FDCs, Maxi cards, cancels
Carol I (born 1839 – died 1914; Ruler of Romania 1866-1881; King of Romania 1881-1914)
Ferdinand I (born 1865 – died 1927; King of Romania 1914-1927)
Carol II (born October 15th, 1893 – died April 4th, 1953; King of Romania 1930-1940)
Mihai I (born 1921 – died 2017; King of Romania 1927-1930, 1940-1947)
One of the most beautiful and rich natural areas in our country, the so-called Delta of Moldova, includes the Jijia and Miletin Ponds and was recently declared the first Ramsar site in the Region of Moldova (the Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty on wetlands of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat). It consists of a variety of habitats located in the lower part of the Jijia River, before it empties into the Prut River. Among the wet habitats here, we mention rivers, temporary ponds, reeds, grassy swamps. They are bordered by pastures, brushwood and even predominantly traditionally cultivated arable land.
This area of 19,432.5 ha is home to 225 species of birds, of which 140 species nest here, and during migration can provide a resting place for over 40,000 individuals. Romfilatelia – O lume intr-un timbru- DELTA OF MOLDOVA
Designer: George Ursachi
Release date: Feb. 3, 2021
Fauna – Falcons
POSTMARK PLACE: Bucharest
4 stamps, 4 mini sheets of 5, FDC, cancel, 4 Maxi card
I found this great video on Smaranda Brăescu. Although it’s in Romanian, it’s very easy to follow and you get to see rare footage of her. She’s a fascinating woman who doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. This video was posted first on my newsletter. If you sign up for it, you get all the news about this site direct to your mailbox, with a bonus first view special link. Click here and use the sign up box in the middle of the page.
Flora from national reserves
POSTMARK PLACE: Bucharest
4 stamps, 4 mini sheets of 5, FDC, cancel, sheets of 28 tete-beche, numbered blocks of 4, limited run (231 issues) philatelic folders
Silver Marius Vasile Cozmiuc and Ciprian Tudosa Rowing Men’s Double Sculls
Silver Mihaita Vasile Tiganescu, Mugurel Vasile Semciuc, Stefan Constantin Berariu and Cosmin Pascari – Men’s Coxless Four
Designer: Mihail Vămășescu
Release date: August 18, 2021
Flamingos
4 stamps, FDC, cancel, 4 mini sheets of 5 , 4 full sheets, folder
Andean flamingo
Chilean flamingo
lesser flamingo
pink flamingo
Designer: Razvan Popescu
Release date: August 25, 2021
September
Romania’s Cities – Targu Mures
4 stamps, FDC, cancel, mini sheets of 6, full sheets
Administrative Palace in Targu Mures
Medieval Citadel in Targu Mures
Palace of Culture
“Bolyai Farkas” High-School
Designer: Mihail Vămășescu
Release date: September 2, 2021
European Year of the Rail
4 stamps, 2 FDCs, cancel, 4 mini sheets of 5 stamps, 4 sheets of 28, folder
Resicza” no. 2 steam locomotive, the first built in Southeast Europe, in 1872, at the Resita locomotive factory
DMU in the new Henri Coanda Airport Rail station from Otopeni, from which transport with direct trains has been provided to the Bucharest North station beginning with the 2020/2021 timetable
060 DA type modernized diesel locomotive, with a 2100 HP power, model built in Romania between 1959 and 1988 and modernised between 2000 and 2007
41 series 060 EA electric locomotive, with a 5100 kW power, model built in Romania between 1964 and 1991
Designer: George Ursachi
Release date: September 10, 2021
Paralympic Medal Winners
2 stamps, 2 mini sheets of 6, 2 sheets of 28
Alexandru Bologa, winner of the bronze medal in the judoka event in the 60 kg category. He won bronze at Rio 2016 games. Mr Bologa holds a degree in psychology from the Babeș-Bolyai University.
“When I started in 2012 I didn’t know too much about judo. Since then I have improved a lot as an athlete and as a person. It is a very complete sport.” (paralympic.org, 19 Jun 2021; Athlete, 01 Apr 2016)
Photographer: Rafal Borza Designer: Mihail Vămășescu
Release date: September 16, 2021
Turtles
4 stamp, FDC, cancel, 4 maxi cards, 4 mini sheets of 5, 4 sheets of 28
Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) – found in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Vulnerable species
Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis) – found in China, Laos, Taiwan and Vietnam. Endangered species
Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) – found in northern Africa, southwest Asia and southern Europe, and the subspecies ibera is present in southern Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and even Iran. Endangered species
Horsfield’s tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) – found in arid regions of Central Asia. Vulnerable species
Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) – on FDC. Found along the Amazon basin and Orinoco rivers.
Designer: Razvan Popescu
Release date: September 22, 2021
Exotic Pigeons
4 stamps FDC, cancel, 4 maxi cards, 4 mini sheets of 5, 4 sheets of 28
jambu fruit dove (Ptilinopus jambu) – found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Brunei. Endangered species.
Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria) – found New Guinea Island and the surrounding islands. Near endangered species.
common emerald dove (Chalcophaps indica) – found South-East Asia and the Indian subcontinent
Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica) – found on islands in Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean and coast of South-East Asia. Near endangered species.
thick-billed green pigeon (Treron curvirostra) – on FDC. Found South-east Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
The Europa 2021 Endangered Wildlife issues offer a stunning array of bugs, birds ‘n mammals to round up. Any collector of animals on stamps will be in paradise with this multi national European contest. I waited until a substantial number of stamps became available before cobbling things together and now, finally, there is a lot to love here. I’m sure I’ve missed a country or two. I’ll eventually scoop them up in my next sweep of Europa stamps.
EUROPA 2021 – Endangered Wildlife
Each year a theme is picked and all members can compete. Competition breaks down into 2 categories:
Juried
Popular
Voting will take place next year, so be sure to bookmark this site to find the winners. When voting opens I’ll post a link. You can vote for your favourite stamp here: EUROPA 2021 (posteurop.org)
Last year’s theme was Ancient Postal Routes, which offered some creative takes on mail delivery. Although my choices didn’t win, I’m actually thrilled with the winners. I’ll cover this in a separate article. Otherwise this will turn into one of those interminably long slogs for you.
I haven’t come close to finishing the list. Some issues haven’t been released and some have sparse information attached. There is a lot of work left to do on this page which means it’ll be continuously updated throughout the year, as I have with the Year of the Ox list. I am still sourcing good links for you about each animal. Part of the purpose of this series is to educate the public about endangered wildlife and to that end, I’ll share information on the various critters listed below.
A few days ago, I was chatting with a friend and she remarked that it was nice to see the “non cuddly” wildlife honoured. Its easy to draw attention to the puffins and adorable mice. It’s harder to get people to understand why beetles and frogs are so vital. Although I think Germany did a spectacular job with their Beetles. The stamps in this series do an admirable job in showcasing the diversity of species under threat. I’ll do my bit and try to give you some good information.
I’m thinking of running a poll on which will be the winner. I’ll work on it over the next week and if I like the way it looks, throw it up here.
These stamps are for local delivery only. Turkish Cyprus stamps aren’t recognised by the UPU, nor is it a member of the Universal Postal Union or POSTEUROP.
The wildcat is one of Czech rarest mammals. The difference between the wildcat and the domestic cat is readily apparent: the wild species is larger, mostly due to the longer and thicker hair. The fur colour is typically grey-brown to grey-yellow with distinct stripes on the back, legs, and tail. The shape, length, and the way the wild and the domestic species hold the tail also differ. The wildcat has a larger head, clearly smaller ears, and long sensitive whiskers.
In the Czech Republic, the wildcat usually lives in deciduous or mixed forests in low-lying mountainous or hilly areas. What it needs is a place to hide in, such as rock crevices, cavities in old massive trees, or abandoned fox and badger burrows. Future issues – Česká pošta (ceskaposta.cz)
Designer: Jaromír and Libuše Knotkovi
Previous designs: EUROPA: National Birds – Common kingfisher and the 2020 Songbirds around us series I, II & III and Honeybees as well as numerous wildlife issues over the past 6 years.
Jaromír Knotek was born on 18 February 1949 in Kladno. He is a Czech painter, graphic artist, and illustrator, whose art includes scientific illustrations. He and his wife, illustrator Libuše Knotková, also designed many postage stamps.
Libuše Knotková was born on 23 May 1949. Her father, Ladislav Jirka, made a significant contribution to the history and development of Czech stamp design.
Libuše and Jaromír Knotek resumed the family tradition and designed multiple Czech stamps as well as drawings for first day covers
Issue Plan of Czech Postage Stamp Issues 2020, p. 13
Designer: : Broll and Prascida Broll & Prascida have designed stamps for both France and Andorra (FR) Visit their extensive portfolio online to see their delicately detailed work. Cancel: Florence Gendre Gendre is an accomplished water colourist and member of Société Française d’Illustration Botanique (SFIB)
Release date: May 25, 2021
Georgia
Krtsanisi Forest Park, Tbilisi
2 stamps, souvenir sheet
Endangered pistachio tree with a gazelle and bald eagle.
A postage stamp created under the auspices of the European Union of National Post Operators “Post Europe” has been in circulation since October, depicting an endangered Cyprus turpentine tree, Goitered gazelle and bald eagle. The public presentation of the stamp was held in Krtsanisi Forest Park, within the framework of which 150 seedlings of Cyprus turpentine tree were planted, and a photo exhibition organized by “National Geographic” was held. Presentation of Postage Stamp Created under Auspices of Post Europe Held in Krtsanisi Park – Georgia Today
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) | Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
2 stamps, FDC, cancel, booklet
For the first time, the EUROPA Greek stamps are designed by students of the Athens School of Fine Arts who have attended the class “Graphic Arts – Stamp” from the Engraving Department, taught by Dr. Myrsini Vardopoulou and supervised by Prof. Yannis Gourzis
The design used a main feature of Engraving, namely breaking down the drawing into lines. “Thus, we have achieved a different artistic approach; one could say that it directly refers to old copperplate engraving stamps, but in combination with modern techniques. The most important aspect of this work is the clarity of the drawing”, points outs the teacher. ELTA > Company > Press Office > Press releases
2 stamps, self-adhesive booklets, blocks of 4, 2 sheets of 10, 3 FDCs, cancel
Designer: Miki Jacobsen Previous designs include 2020 Mammals, 2018 Sports in Greenland Inuit and Dene Games and 2019 50th anniversary of the first International Post Day
This stamp is part of a larger set issued by Isle of Man titled The Calf of Man: Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the Manx National Trust Now Part of Manx National Heritage. The set includes 10 stamps featuring various parts of the Manx National Trust. The sheerwater is the only stamp in the set featuring the Europa logo.
The Area of Solila is located in the wetlands section of the coastal belt of tivat bay and captures an unused flood area in the area of Grbalje polje.
In the flora and vegetation of the Montenegrin littoral, the Area of Solila is recognized by the vegetation inhabited by salty wet habitats. Since these complex types of natural vegetation on a muddy-clay surface have already disappeared on most habitats on the eastern Adriatic coast, this preservation of the compactness of the Tivat salt salt area as a safe habitat for halophyte vegetation stands out as a special ecological challenge. In the territory of Tivat salts, 14 representatives of amphibians and reptiles were registered.
So far, 111 bird species have been registered on the Solili, representing more than 20% of the total number of species of European ornithophaune. Salts are the habitat of numerous endangered species and are protected as a special flora-faunist reserve.
Montenegro post office
Designer: Romana Pehar Pehar is a painter from Kotor. You can see more of his work on his Tumbler site Romana Pehar (tumblr.com)
Geotritone (amphibian), visible in sheet selvedge sparrow Monticola Solitarius, the small rodent Moscardinus, the rare mantis Empusa Pennata and the grasshopper Acrometopa Macropoda
River Crab visible in sheet selvedgeskunk, the amphibious Bombina Pachypus, the butterfly Zerinthia Cassandra and the fish Barbus Caninus
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, booklet, maxi, postcard
I had a few issues with translations re: what I think are the postcard and maxi. If this is incorrect information, please leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to fix the info.
Designer: Kamila Štanclová
FDC engraver: František Horniak
Release date: May 7, 2021
Spain
Iberian Lynx
1 stamp, sheets of 25, folder, postcard, 2 cancels
POSTMARK PLACE: Madrid and Barcelona
2 stamps, 2 sheets of 6, 2 FDCs, cancel
POSTMARK PLACE: Kyiv and Transcarpathian Region
Killer wheels | Cry of the Carpathians
Beech virgin forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2017). The Carpathian mountain forests in Central Europe are one of the most important havens for large predators, including the brown bear.
Beech virgin forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2017). The Carpathian mountain forests in Central Europe are one of the most important havens for large predators, including the brown bear.
According to the UN, the forests of the Ukrainian Carpathians are disappearing at an alarming rate due to illegal logging. This has already led to climate change, and as a result -large-scale floods, flooded villages and roads, the destruction of bridges. And the worst – destruction of a unique ecosystem, because the Carpathians – it is a climatic factor of all Ukraine. Philately of Ukraine, No. 26
