I wish I could give you better information about Mongolia’s stamp programs. They offer a glimpse into the country that is so tantalizing, it makes me want to visit.  With the arrival of Mongolia’s 2022 stamps, that sense is stronger. 

I’ve been unsuccessful in rounding up information about the artists and designers and unfortunately, Mongolia’s post office issues their stamps with little or no fanfare. It’s a shame because their designs and topics are quite intriguing. Once in a while I strike gold with a Mongolian newspaper article about a stamp or special celebration. But unfortunately, western press rarely covers Mongolian news. 

If you are unfamiliar with Mongolia’s history, you aren’t alone. Here’s a thumbnail history, courtesy the Mongolian Embassy in Canada.

A large number of ethnicities have inhabited Mongolia since prehistoric times. Most of these people were nomads who, from time to time, formed confederations that rose to prominence. The first of these, the Xiongnu, were brought together to form a confederation by Modun Shanyu in 209 BC.

In 1206, Chinggis Khan (also known as Genghis Khan) founded the Mongol Empire, the largest empire in history. The Mongol Empire’s territory extended from present-day Poland in the west to the Korean peninsula in the east, from Siberia in the north to the Arab peninsula and Vietnam in the south, covering approximately 33 million square kilometers. In 1227, after Chinggis Khan’s death, the Mongol Empire was subdivided into four kingdoms. In 1260, Chinggis Khan’s grandson, Kublai Khan, ascended the throne of one of the four kingdoms that encompassed present-day Mongolia and China. In 1271, Kublai Khan formally established the Yuan Dynasty. The Yuan Dynasty was the first foreign dynasty to rule all of China until it was overthrown by the Chinese Ming Dynasty in 1368. EMBASSY OF MONGOLIA TO CANADA, OTTAWA

Okay, yes, that snippet doesn’t do justice to the country’s history, but it’s a starting point if you are unfamiliar with Mongolia. I’ll source a few good books in the coming months – it takes time because I need to digest and evaluate the material before recommending it. In the meantime, I’m going to ask  you, my wonderful readers from Mongolia if you can recommend any decent online sources. I get a couple visits every month from the country and would love to have recommendations. This helps understand the stories these stamps tell, and that’s important. 

Cheers
Catpaw

If you collect Mongolian stamps, or want a reliable place to buy them, check out Mongolian New Issues (ubstamps.com). It’s through this site’s generosity, that I’ve been able to post top notch scans of all Mongolia’s 2022 issues. 

January

Year of the Tiger

2 stamps, FDC, cancel
offset

This set picks up the design from last year’s Ox stamps. I’m trying to find scans of the FDC for the tigers, but so far, no luck. 

Release date: January 3, 2022

30th Anniversary Of The Adaption Of The Constitution Of Mongolia

1 stamp on a souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
offset

Mongolia’s Constitution went into effect Feb. 12, 1992. With the collapse of Soviet rule, the new Constitution established a representative democracy in the country, enshrining rights and freedoms. The preamble reads (translation from Mongolian gov site):

We, the people of Mongolia:
Strengthening the independence and sovereignty of the nation,
Cherishing human rights and freedoms, justice, and national unity,
Inheriting the traditions of national statehood, history, and culture,
Respecting the accomplishments of human civilization,
And aspiring toward the supreme objective of building a humane, civil and democratic society in the country
Hereby proclaim the Constitution of Mongolia.
The Constitution of Mongolia (conscourt.gov.mn)

The link above is to the entire document, which is surprisingly devoid of arcane, difficult to read verbiage. If you are interested in learning more about this document, I recommend heading over there. 

One interesting section (and yes, I read the entire document) is Chapter One, Article 12 which outlines State Symbols. This will help you understand the details on many of the Mongolian stamps.

(3) The State Emblem is of circular shape with the white lotus serving as its base and the “Never-ending Tumen Nasan” pattern forming its outer frame.  The main background is of blue color signifying the eternal blue sky, the Mongols traditional sanctity.  In the center of the Emblem, a combination of the Precious Steed and the Golden Soyombo sign is depicted as an expression of the independence, sovereignty and spirit of Mongolia.  In the upper part of the Emblem the Triple Gem sign symbolizes the past, the present and the future.  In the lower part of the Emblem the sign of the Wheel entwined with the silk scarf Hadag in an expression of reverence and respect, symbolizes continued prosperity.  It is placed against the background of a hill pattern conveying the notion of “Mother Earth”. 
The Constitution of Mongolia (conscourt.gov.mn)

We came for the stamps and hopefully, we’ll leave with a better understanding of Mongolia. 

Release date: January 7, 2022

February

Galdan Boshugtu Khan  | Галдан Бошигт Хаан

1 stamp on a souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel

Not the best source, but it’s adequate. When I find another one, I’ll replace the link Galdan Boshugtu Khan – Wikipedia

THE KING OF GALDAN BOSHIGT
Galdan Boshigt (1644-1697), a prominent Mongolian political, social, and religious figure, was the Dzungarian king. Galdan was born in 1644 as the sixth son of Prince Khotogchin, Erdenebaatar, the head of the Tsoros province, one of the dominant provinces of the Four Oirats and a defender of the left wing.  
Галдан бошигт хаан (mass.mn) this site is in Mongolian, but better than the Wiki page. Use google translate.

Release date: February 22, 2022

World Actor Gombojav Gombosuren 1918-2004

4 stamps on souvenir sheet
offset

Release date: March 27, 2022

May

Mongolia And Japan, 50th Anniversary Of Diplomatic Relations

2 stamps on souvenir sheet
offset

Release date: May 19, 2022

Unique Findings Of The Mongolian Dinosaurs

4 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet 
offset

Release date: May 30, 2022

June

Bukula Rinpoche, Indian Ambassador and Lama

1 stamp on souvenir sheet
offset lithography

Release date: June 15, 2022

Intelligence Service of Mongolia, Centenary

1 stamp on souvenir sheet

Release date: June 22, 2022

Legshid Chuvaamed, Sculptor – the art of carving

4 stamps on souvenir sheet

The National Museum of Mongolia recently held an exhibition of his works.  They have a number of photos to check out CRAFT THROUGH THE AGES – by CHUVAAMED Legshid / 29 June – 13 July 2022 / National Museum of Mongolia – MONGOLIA ART GALLERY GUIDE (artavenue.mn)

Release date: June 29, 2022

August

Mongolian Audit Office – 100th Anniversary

1 stamp on souvenir sheet

Release date: August 25, 2022

September

Mongolian Cartoons

6 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet
offset

Tale of 12 years of the Lunar Calendar

Release date: September 12, 2023

Diplomatic Relations with Australia 50th Anniversary

2 stamps on souvenir sheet

Release date: September 23, 2023

Silk Applique

2 stamps, 2 souvenir sheets

Release date: September 23, 2023

October

Camels

4 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet
offset

Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) – You can tell a Mongolian camel by it’s two humps.

Release date: October 23, 2023

December

Chinggis Khaan

6 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet
offset

Portrait of Chinggis Khan from a 1962 stamp – 800th birthday Genghis Khan (1162-1227). This was the 1st postage stamp from Mongolia to have Khan’s image

The Nine White Banners – representing peace and eternity

Under the rule of a sole leader, when Mongolians enthroned Chinggis Khaan as the King of the Great Mongolian Empire, they raised their Nine White Banners and had the great king pay respects. And ever since that time, the White banners have been placed in the state palace to symbolize the Mongolian state in a perpetual state of prosperity and its people living peacefully. Currently, the Nine White Banners are kept at the State house, to only be brought out for big holidays. Symbol of Peace and Eternity, the Nine White Banners (montsame.mn)

Geregee or Golden Paiza of Chinggis Khan  – these narrow tablets played a significant role in the development of international diplomacy. 

During the 13th and 14th centuries, travelers and messengers used geregee or paiza as a passport or document on the Mongol yam or postal route. Depending on the material and shape of the geregee, travelers had different privileges. The better the material meant the more rights they had. Geregee were made of wood, bronze, silver, or gold. 

Chinggis Khan, the Great Khan (also known as Genghis Khan), distributed the geregee to officials and envoys so they could move freely, easily access food and horses, and receive respect¬¬ and courtesy. Under the protection of the Great Khan and the Mongolian Empire, envoys went on diplomatic missions and to different countries around the world efficiently. States and individuals provided aid and protection when needed. 

The gift is historically significant because the geregee is one of the first universally recognized document entitling diplomatic immunity and privileges. It contributed to the development of norms and laws of diplomatic relations Geregee or Golden Paiza of Chinggis Khan | United Nations Gifts

860th anniversary of the birth

Release date: December 22, 2022 

Animals from the Mongolian Red Book

8 stamps on 2 souvenir sheets

Red Books list of endangered and protected species Endangered Animals in Mongolia: Mongolian “Red Book” (correctmongolia.com)
 

Release date: December 22, 2022 

See all of last year’s stamps 2021 Mongolian stamps, FDCs & postcards | Bitter Grounds Magazine

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