From 22 June to 17 August 2012 an exhibition will be held in Bruges dedicated to the collection of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. On this occasion, the Principality of Monaco and Belgium will jointly issue a stamp whose visual is inspired by Cabaret au bord de la rivière by the Flemish painter Jan Brueghel. This work is currently at the Palace of Monaco.

Technical Details:

Layout : CREAPHIL
Printing process : Heliogravure
Size of the block : 100 x 120 mm vertical
Size of the stamp : 30 x 40,85 mm vertical

published May 16th, 2012

Two stamps on the theme “Life at sea” are being issued in the pan-nordic series “nordic Coastlines.” the motifs are based on photographs taken by steen Larsen. the stamps are designed by post Danmark stamps and produced in offset.

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published April 5th, 2012

Post Denmark and China post are each issuing two stamps on the theme of astronomy. They feature motifs of medieval astronomers’ equipment. Jointly designed by post Danmark and China post, the stamps are engraved by martin mörck and printed in intaglio and offset.

Technical Details

Issue Date: 04.01.2012
Designer: Post Denmark and China Post
Illustrator: Martin Mörck
Printer: Intaglio/offset
Process: Intaglio/offset
Size: 33 x 33 mm
Values: 6.00 DKK, 6.00 DKK

Source: WOPA

published January 8th, 2012

Australia and the Republic of Korea are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries with the release of a joint stamp issue. This joint stamp release is a first between the two nations. The Australian stamps include a domestic rate (60c) stamp and an international rate ($1.65) stamp. The Korean stamps have their own denominations.

“Australia and South Korea have formed a significant bond since the Korean War. We’re delighted to be releasing a joint stamp issue in this special Year of Friendship,” said Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Mr Michael Zsolt. “We worked closely with Korea Post and hope this joint stamp issue further demonstrates Australia’s growing relationship with South Korea.”

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published November 11th, 2011

MaltaPost p.l.c. Philatelic Bureau will be issuing the eleventh Card in series on the date when the day, month and year coincide – 11.11.11.

The first Card in this series had been issued on 1 January 2001, with a date stamp carrying the same figures – 01.01.01. The last Card in this popular collectable series is expected to be issued on 12^th December of the year 2012, and stamped with the figures 12.12.12. 

This Philatelic Bureau Card will carry the €2.07 stamp from the set Malta – Iceland Joint Issue 2011:

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published November 10th, 2011

A set of special stamps on the theme of “Hong Kong, China – Romania Joint Issue on Handicraft” will be released for sale with associated philatelic products on 24 November 2011(Thursday).

Handicraft is the art of creating decorative and utility items completely by hand or with simple tools. The emphasis is on craftsmanship. The cultural significance of handicraft is the preservation of heritage and traditional techniques. Hongkong Post and Romfilatelia jointly issue a set of two stamps on handicrafts to showcase masterpieces from the two places, highlighting the vitality of the art form. This marks the eleventh joint stamp issue between Hongkong Post and other postal administrations.  (read more)

published November 9th, 2011

Iceland and Malta are the northernmost and southernmost islands in Europe. Fishing has been the main source of revenue for centuries on these two islands. Iceland Post and Malta Post are now collaborating on a joint stamp issue occasioned by this relationship with fishing towns as the motif. The town of Húsavík is the motif of the Icelandic minisheet while the Maltese one depicts the town of Mgarr, Gozo.

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published September 20th, 2011

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy, this joint issue between San Marino and Italy commemorates the figure of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Fleeing from the Austrians following the events of 1849, the “Hero of the two Worlds” sought refuge in San Marino with his companion Anita and his troops. At that time, the Republic of San Marino was participating actively in the Risorgimento movement: it offered shelter to illustrious Italian exiles, while numerous Sammarinese volunteers took part in insurrectionary movements and the wars for Italian independence.

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published June 29th, 2011

The Turtle Ship

As a pioneering type of war ship of the Joseon Dynasty, the Turtle Ship was conceived in 1592 by Admiral Yi Sun-Shin who anticipated a Japanese invasion. The shape and tactical capabilities portrayed by Admiral Yi Sun-Shin himself are as follows:

“Wooden planks are laid on the upper deck of the ship, and on those planks, narrow cross-shaped ramps are placed to enable people to walk through, with sharp spear heads and spikes lodged on the rest of ship’s surface. The bow of the ship is shaped like a head of a dragon, while the stern takes the shape of the tail of a turtle. There are gun ports fore and aft and also six gun ports port and starboard respectively, where large projectiles are loaded and fired. When enemy soldiers attempt to board the vessel, a straw mat is placed over the blades on the back of the Turtle Ship so they cannot be seen. The Turtle Ship will hereinafter be in the vanguard of naval  warfare, with its sharp spear heads and spikes stopping enemy soldiers from climbing onto its back. When enemy ships try to siege the Turtle Ship, it can fire its cannons simultaneously fore and aft, port and starboard.”

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published June 12th, 2011

“Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf. Col 2:7) is the theme chosen by the Holy Father for the 26th World Youth Day, one of the most important events involving young Catholics from around the world. From 16 to 21 August, the host city of Madrid will be the stage for these great events to be marked by dialogue, encounter, discussion and prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.  (read more)

published June 3rd, 2011

The 17 March 1861 marks one of the most important dates in the history of Italy. On this day, one month after the first session of parliament, the unity of the country was ratified with the proclamation of Victor Emanuel II, King of Italy. The event followed the first two wars for independence and the expedition of the one thousand. The events which led to unification concluded only in 1870 after the third war for independence.

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published April 1st, 2011