630 years ago, March 4, 1394, Prince Henry the Navigator was born in Porto, Portugal.

Although he never personally participated in Portugal’s voyages, Prince Henry is considered one of the leading pioneers of maritime exploration that eventually ushered in the Age of Discover. He sponsored voyages to unknown parts, expanding Portugal’s knowledge of the world, and established the School of Navigation in Sagres, that allowed scholars, cartographers, and navigators to share their research. The school allowed Portuguese sailors to push the boundaries of maritime and seafaring techniques.

Prince Henry the Navigator, 600 Anniversary
Portuguese Post CTT issued March 3, 1994
Designers:
Carlos Delfim Leitão | Luiz Duran

The voyages didn’t just open new trade routes, they also laid the groundwork for rampant colonial expansion, the African slave trade and the Columbian Exchange. Henry’s sponsorship of explorations along the African coast encouraged the Portuguese to setup ports to facilitate the trade in humans from Africa to Europe and the Americas. 

The first time Prince Henry appeared on a stamp was the 500th anniversary of his birth in1894. Portugal issued this 13-stamp set featuring 3 motifs:

• Prince Henry on his ship.
• Prince Henry directing fleet maneuvers.
• Allegory of Prince Henry’s studies

5th Centenary of the Birth of Prince Henry the Navigator
Issued March 3, 1894
Designer:  José Veloso Salgado
Engraver: Giesecke & Devrient