Romania - Alba Iulia, Arch

Romania - Alba Iulia, Arch

This stamp from Romania depicts the Alba Iulia, Arch.  Built in the first half of the 18th century, the First Gate of the Fortress of Alba Iulia is located at the East side and has the form of a triumphal arch with three entrances. Above the arch in the center, there is the coat of arms of the House of Austria (the bicephalous eagle with the sword and the scepter), framed on either side by the statues of Venus and Mars, with two bombers in the shooting position on the far ends.

Perforations: 13.5

Date of Issue: 1972

Vanuatu - Reef Heron

Vanuatu - Reef Heron

This stamp from the Island nation of Vanuatu, depicts a reef heron.  The reef heron is indigenous to Vanuatu and is found in two different colors, grey and the more rare white version seen on the stamps.  They inhabit the This stamp was part of a set of 5 stamps all showing the reef heron. 

Perforations: 14.5
Date of Issue: February 7, 2007

United Nations - World Heritage, Germany

United Nations - World Heritage, Germany

This stamp from the United Nations, depicts the town hall and the statue of Roland on the marketplace of Bremen in north-west Germany.  The old town hall was built in the Gothic style in the early fifteenth century, after Bremen joined the Hanseatic League. The building was renovated in the so-called Weser Renaissance style in the early seventeenth century. A new town hall was built next to the old one in the early twentieth century as part of an ensemble that survived bombardment during the Second World War. The statue stands 18 feet tall and dates back to 1404. This site was added to the World Heritage List in 2004. 

Perforations: 12 ¾ x 13 ¼

Date of Issue: May 7, 2009

United States Coast Guard

United States - Coast Guard

This stamp from the United States, depicts a Coast Guard landing craft & supply ship in turbulent waters.  It was issued to honor the service of the Coast Guard during World War II.  During times of peace, the Coast Guard was part of the department of transportation, but during conflicts it was treated as a part of the US Navy.  

Perforations: 11
Date of Issue: October 10, 1945

Ireland - Sword of Light

Ireland - Sword of Light

This stamp from Ireland depicts the Sword of Light.  It is one of the first definitive stamps issued by Ireland.  Other stamps in the first definitive series included a Map of Ireland, a Celtic Cross, Arms of the Four Irish Provinces and St. Patrick.

Perforations: 11

Date of Issue: 1922

Madagascar - Kremlin Cathedral in Moscow

Madagascar - Cathedral of the Dormition in Moscow

This stamp from Madagascar depicts the Cathedral of the Dormition at the Kremlin in Moscow.  The Cathedral of the Dormition, sometimes translated as the "Cathedral of the Assumption", is one of the most majestic pieces of architecture in the Kremlin's Cathedral Square. Construction began in the late 15th century, and since its completion it has stood as the most important church in Russia. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with fine frescoes, and some of Russia's most prized icons were created especially for the cathedral.

 Perforations: 15
Date of Issue: 1994

Brunei - Silver anniversary of the Royal Wedding

 

Brunei - Silver anniversary of the Royal Wedding

This stamp from Brunei commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Great Britain's royal couple, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.  The stamp shows a portrait of the couple with a girl with a traditional flower-pot, and a boy with a bowl and pipe in background.  This stamp is part of a two stamp set.

Perforations: 14 x 14.1/2

Date of Issue: November 20, 1972

Bulgaria - International traffic safety year

Bulgaria - International traffic safety year

 This stamp issued by Bulgaria in 1990, depicts a road inside a red and blue triangle.  It was issued to commemorate the International traffic safety year dedicated to reducing the number of traffic accidents. 

Perforations:  13

Date of Issue: October 9, 1990

Monaco - UN Children's Charter

Monaco - UN Children's Charter

This stamp from Monaco depicts a tree with a bird nest and a mother bird bringing food to the baby birds. The stamp was issued to support the United Nations efforts to protect children.  This stamp is one of a set of eight.

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: 1963

Mexico - Swallowtail Butterfly

Mexico - Swallowtail Butterfly

This stamp depicts a swallowtail butterfly.  The swallowtail is one of the butterflies that exist in all parts of the world.  This stamp from Mexico is part of a set that shows flora and fauna indigenous to the area.

Perforations: 15

Date of Issue: 1983

Estonia - Christmas

Estonia - Christmas

This stamp from Estonia depicts a stylized Christmas tree.  Christmas celebrations in Estonia begin the 21st of December and end on January 6. During this period, Estonians work less, visit friends and family, and receive the declaration of Christmas peace from the Estonian president.

Perforations: 13¾ x 14

Date of Issue: December 15, 1992

Dominica - Christmas

Dominica - Christmas

This stamp from Dominica depicts the shepherds in the field as they hear the news of the saviors birth.  The stamp is based on the "Psalter of Richard de Lisle" that was painted at Westminster in the early fourteenth century.  This stamp was part of a three stamp set issued for Christmas.

Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: 1977

Chile - PanAmerican Conference

Chile - PanAmerican Conference

This stamp from Chile depicts the Palace of the Congress building in Santiago Chile.  The 5th PanAmerican Conference was held in Santiago Chile in 1923.  The "Treaty to avoid or prevent conflicts between the American States" was the major accomplishment of the 1923 conference.  This stamp is one of the eight stamps issued with this design.

Perforations: 141/2 x 133/4

Date of Issue: March 25, 1923

Soviet Union - 17th century postman

 

Soviet Union - 17th century postman

This stamp issued by the Soviet Union depicts a horse pulling a sled with a postman in the background.  Postal service was established in Russia during the 17th century.  Only strong, resilient men were recruited for service as postmen.  They used many means to get the mail between destinations, including horses.

Perforations: 11.5

Date of Issue: August 25, 1987

Belaruse - Church of Carmelites

Belaruse - Church of Carmelites

This stamp from Belaruse depicts a Church of Carmelites.  The Carmelites order is aa Catholic religious order believed to be founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel.

Perforations: 11
Date of issue: November 25, 1993

Great Britain - Carrickfergus Castle

 

Great Britain - Carrickfergus Castle

This stamp from Great Britain depicts Carrickfergus Castle.  Carrickfergus Castle is in Northern Ireland, situated in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, on the northern shore of Belfast Lough.  It was built in 1177 by the Normans that had conquered Ireland.  It remained in Norman hands until 1210 when King John captured and took control of it.  It continuously housed troops until 1927 when it was turn over to the government of Northern Ireland and preserved as a monument.  It is open to the public and has many exhibits that show what medieval life was like.

Perforations:15

Date of Issue: August 22, 1995

Togo - Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris

Togo - Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris

This stamp from the African nation of Togo depicts the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France.  The cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the most famous churches in the world. Construction of the church began in 1163 and the initial construction was finished in the mid 1240s.  Additional construction on the church continued until 1345 when the cathedral was considered complete. 

Perforations: 15

Date of Issue: 1980

Mongolia - Composer Bela Bartok

Mongolia - Composer Bela Bartok

This stamp depicts an image of the composer Bela Bartok.  Bela Bartok was a Hungarian composer who lived from March 25, 1881 to September 26, 1945.  He is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century. 

Perforations:12

Date of Issue: March 25, 1981

Hungary - Wagner opera Tannhauser

Hungary - Wagner opera Tannhauser

This stamp from Hungary depicts a scene from the opera Tannhauser by Richard Wagner. 

Tannhauser is an opera in three acts.  The opera is based on the two German legends of Tannhäuser and the song contest at Wartburg. The story centers on the struggle between sacred and profane love, and redemption through love (a theme running through almost all Wagner's mature work).  

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: September 26, 1967

Argentina - Pyramid in the May Plaza

Argentina - Pyramid in the May Plaza

The stamp depicts the May Pyramid in the May Plaza in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  The pyramid was erected in 1811 to celebrate the first anniversary of the May revolution that declared Argentina's independence from Spain.  The plaza has been a focal point of political life in Buenos Aires, Argentina since it's beginning in 1884. 

Perforations: 10

Date of issue: 1910

Brazil - Coffee

Brazil - Coffee

This stamp from Brazil depicts bags of coffee and raw coffee beans.  Brazil is responsible for about a third of all coffee grown in the world.  This makes Brazil the world's largest producer of coffee, a position it has held for over 150 years. According to  legend, the first coffee plant was brought to Brazil from French Guiana in 1727as a way for the Brazilian government to enter the lucrative coffee market that existed at the time.

Perforations: 12

Date of Issue: 1938

Venezuela - Training Ship Simon Bolivar

Venezuela - Training Ship Simon Bolivar

The stamp depicts the Venezuelan navies ship Simon Bolivar that is used for training sailors.  This type of ship is usually used to train future officers to give them the best understanding of the intricacies of sailing.  The ship shown on this stamp, the Simon Bolivar, was launched in Bilboa, Spain on November 21, 1979 and commissioned on August 12, 1980.  As sailing ship she has participated in several tall ship events over the years.

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: 1980

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Arctic Station

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Arctic Station 

This stamp from Poland depicts Leopard seals sitting on the ice in front of the ship "Kapitan Ledóchowski" .  The "Kapitan Ledóchowski" was built in 1975 the New Szczecin Shipyard as a general cargo ship.  The leopard seal is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic (after the southern elephant seal). The seals are typically 8 to 12 ft long and weigh in at 450 to 1300 pounds.  The stamp was issued as part of a set of 6 stamps commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Polish arctic research base "Henryk Arctowski" on King George Island.

Perforations: 12

Date of Issue: February 13th, 1987

France - Fortified gate of the city of Fauroeulx Quesnoy

France - Fortified gate of the city of Fauroeulx Quesnoy

This stamp depicts the bridge and fortified gate to the city of Fauroeulx Quesnoy in the Northern department of France.  The city was a stronghold for the German army during World War I.  Near the end of the war, the city was liberated by forces from New Zealand.

Perforations: 13

Date of issue: July 19, 1957

Nicaragua - 150th anniversary of the Ford automobile

Nicaragua - 150th anniversary of the Ford automobile

The stamp depicts an early Ford model A automobile.  The original Ford Model A is the first automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company.  Production of the model A began in 1903 with the first one delivered on July 23rd.  A total of 1,750 cars were made from 1903 through 1904.

Perforations:14

Date of Issue: 1984

Mongolia - Antarctic Exploration

Mongolia - Antarctic Exploration

This stamp from Mongolia depicts the orca whale species, otherwise known as the killer whale.  
The killer whale is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. Killer whales are found in all oceans, from the tropical seas to the cold antarctic and arctic oceans.  The stamp is part of a set of eight stamps issued by Mongolia to celebrate the exploration of Antarctica.  The stamps show images of creatures that inhabit the Antarctic continent.

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: December 1st, 1980

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Arctic Station

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Arctic Station 

This stamp from Poland depicts fish swimming in front of the ship Zulawy.  The Zulawy was built in the Gdansk  shipyard for fish transport and as a supply ship.  The stamp was issued as part of a set of 6 stamps commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Polish arctic research base "Henryk Arctowski" on King George Island.

Perforations: 12

Date of Issue: February 13th, 1987

Mongolia - Antarctic Exploration

Mongolia - Antarctic Exploration

This stamp from Mongolia depicts the penguin species Pygoscelis adelie.  These penguins are mid-sized, being 1.5 to 2.5 ft in length and typically weigh 8.6 to 12.8 lbs. They have a distinctive white ring surrounding their eyes and feathers at the base of their bills. The stamp is part of a set of eight stamps issued by Mongolia to celebrate the exploration of Antarctica.  The stamps show images of creatures that inhabit the Antarctic continent.

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: December 1st, 1980

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Antarctic Station

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Antarctic Station 

This stamp from Poland depicts a Seagull flying over the the ship Pogoria to commemorate the ships trip to Antarctica in 1980.  The Pogoria is the first large sailing ship fully designed and built in Poland. It was built in the Gdansk shipyard .  The stamp was issued as part of a set of 6 stamps commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Polish arctic research base "Henryk Arctowski" on King George Island.

Perforations: 12

Date of Issue: February 13th, 1987

 

Grenada - "Spirit of 76"

This stamp from Grenada was issued as part of a series commemorating the United States Bicentennial.  It shows a fife player and two drummers marching.  The stamp is based on the painting "Spirit of 76" by Archibald MacNeal Willard.  The original painting was created after the painter saw a parade pass through the town square in his hometown of Wellington, Ohio.  It was first exhibited at the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.  An interesting point is that he used his father as the model for the middle character of the painting.

Perforations:

Date of Issue: September 30th, 1975

Ireland - Europa

Ireland - Europa

This stamp was part of one of  the early issues for Europe CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations)  In this stamp, the letter O of the word Europa is replaced with a Roman mail-coach wheel with 19 spokes, 1 for each 1960 member of CEPT. It is based on a design by Finnish artist Pentti Rahikainen. 

Perforations:14

Date of Issue: 1960

Great Britain - Windsor Castle

Great Britain - Windsor Castle

This stamp from Great Britain depicts Windsor Castle.  Windsor Castle is a castle located in in Windsor, in the English county of Berkshire.  It dates from medieval times and is notable for its long association with the British royal family.  It has a distinctive architecture that combines the features of a fortification, a palace, and a small town. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror.  The castle has evolved through many building phases, the last being a restoration after a fire in 1992.

Perforations: 15 x 14

Date of Issue: October 18, 1988

Denmark - 750th anniversary of the Danish National Flag

Denmark - 750th anniversary of the Danish National Flag

This stamp from Denmark was released to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the Danish National Flag "Dannebrog" falling from heaven in 1219 at the Battle of Lyndanisse (in Estonia) against the crusaders.  June 15th is traditionally celebrated in Denmark as "Valdemar Day", after the Danish king Valdemar II Sejr (Valdemar the Victorious), 

Perforations:12

Date of Issue: 1969

Ajman State - Apollo 15 moon landing

Ajman State - Apollo 15 moon landing

This stamp depicts an image of a astronaut Jim Irwin on the US Apollo 15 moon landing mission.  The mission lasted 12 days.  There was a small scandal after the astronauts returned and it was discovered that several postage stamps had been smuggled aboard with the intent to sell them upon returning to Earth.

Perforations:

Date of Issue: 1972

Yugoslavia - Battle flags with medals

Yugoslavia - Battle flags with medals

This stamp depicts the Battle flag from the Battle of Vucji (Valley of Wolves) and a medal given for Bravery.  This battle, in 1876, was between the Montenegrins and Turks, in Vucji Do
where the outnumbered Montenegrin Army defeated the larger Turkish Army.  After this battle, Montenegro was recognized as an independent state by the Congress of Berlin in 1878.  this stamp is one of a set issued by Yugoslavia in 1978 to commemorate famous battles.

Perforations:14

Date of Issue: 1978

Nicaragua - 75th anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight

Nicaragua - 75th anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight

The stamp depicts an image of Orville Wright during the first flight on December 17th, 1903.  Their historic flight took place at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  This stamp was issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the flight.

Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: 1978

Hungary - Young Animals

 

Hungary - Young Animals

This stamp from Hungary depicts a puppy.  The stamp is one of a set of seven issued showing young animals.  The other stamps show a bunny, lamb, calf, pony, piglet and kittens. 

Perforations: 12

Date of Issue: 1974

Czechoslovakia - Endangered Species - Butterfly

 

Czechoslovakia - Endangered Species - Butterfly

This stamp from Czechoslovakia depicts a butterfly that is on the endangered species list.  It was issued in 1983 as part of a set of six stamps showing endangered species.  Others included in the set were a lynx, a heron, a frog and a bird.

Perforations: 12

Date of Issue: 1983

Saint Thomas and Prince - Butterflies

Saint Thomas and Prince - Butterflies

This stamp issued by the island of St. Thomas and Prince depicts a butterfly of the Catagramma iyca-satrana genus.  "Catagramma" species are commonly called  "88s" by collectors because of the pattern on the undersides of the lower wing that looks like the number 88. 

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: 1996

Cuba - Orchid

Cuba - Orchid

This stamp from Cuba depicts the Phalaenopsis amabilis or Moon Orchid.  It was first discovered on a small island off the east coast of New Guinea by a native botanist in 1653.  It remained unknonwn outside of New Guinea until 1825 when Karl Ludwig Blume discovered the same species and named it the Moon Orchid. This species is found mostly in the eastern to southeastern regions of Asia. This stamp is one of a set of five showing different Orchids.

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: 1992

Australia - Blue Mountain Tree Frog

Australia - Blue Mountain Tree Frog

This stamp from Australia depicts the Blue Mountain Tree Frog indigenous to Eastern Australia.  They average 2 inches long and are very strong swimmers.  As with all frogs, they eat a variety of insects and as such, are good for the environment.  This stamp is one of a set of four stamps showing Australian amphibians and reptiles.  Part two of the set was issued in June 1982.

Perforations: 14.5

Date of Issue: April 19, 1982

Azerbaijan - Domestic Cats

Azerbaijan - Domestic Cats 

This stamp from Azerbaijan depicts a cat of the Cymric breed.  This stamp is 1 of a set of 6 that were issued to celebrate the domestic cat.  The Cymric is a muscular, compact, medium to large cat with a sturdy structure. They typically weigh between seven and thirteen pounds.

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: 1995

France - Royan Beach

France - Royan Beach

Royan has a long history as a seaside resort.  The area has a climate similar to areas of the Mediterranean coast. Royan was one of the very first resorts in France in the early 20th century when it became popular for wealthy tourists to holiday at the beach.

The sight of a family dining on the beach with maids waiting at table was quite common.  Unfortunately much of the area was destroyed during the Second World War.  The beach stretches for several miles on either side of the town of Royan.

Perforations:

Date of Issue:  1954

Canada - Christmas Sleigh

Canada - Christmas Sleigh

This stamp depicts a scene from Christmas.  The meaning of Christmas to children of Canada was captured in a group of twelve drawings chosen in the Canada Post Office stamp design project in 1969. The theme of the contest was "What Christmas Means to Me".  Entries were based on actual experiences from Christmases past.  The drawings were submitted to regional committees who narrowed the selections down to the final ones sent on to the postal selection committee, who chose the final 12.

Perforations: 12

Date of Issue:  October 7th, 1970

Angola - Centenary of the First flight

Angola - Centenary of the First flight

This stamp from Angola depicts the first airplane created by the Wright brothers.  The stamp was issued to commemorate the 100 years since that first flight.

Perforations: 13 by 13.3

Date of Issue: August 21st, 2003

Afghanistan - National Understanding in Afghanistan

Afghanistan - National Understanding in Afghanistan

The stamp depicts images of the many tribes of Afghanistan with a white dove.  The intent is to show the progress that has been made in creating a national understanding of the peoples of Afghanistan.

Perforations: 13 by 13.5

Date of Issue: July 18th, 2002

Argentina - Argentine Landscapes - Faro San Jorge, Chubut

Argentina - Argentine Landscapes - Faro San Jorge, Chubut

The stamp depicts the St. George lighthouse overlooking the Gulf at San Jorge.  The lighthouse is located in the southern province of Chubut in Argentina. The construction of the lighthouse was begun in January 1924 and  completed in March 1925. This is a concrete tower approximately 80 feet tall. 

Perforations: 14 by 13.6

Date of Issue: June 29th, 2002

Armenia - Europa year of the Circus

Armenia - Europa year of the Circus

Every year the members of PostEurop, the European post offices department under the Universal Postal Union (UPU), issue a stamp under a common theme. The year 2002 has been designated as - Year of the Circus.  This stamp from Armenia depicts one of the common themes of a circus - a magicians top hat with cards, birds and steamers coming out of it.  This was part of a 2 stamp set honoring the circus theme.

Perforations 14.8 by 14.4

Date of Issue: July 30th, 2002

Australia - Lighthouses - Macquarie NSW

Australia - Lighthouses - Macquarie NSW

The stamp depicts the lighthouse at Macquarie New South Wales that overlooks Sydney harbor.  The Macquarie Lighthouse is Australia's first and longest operating navigational light. There has been a navigational aid on this site since 1791 and a lighthouse since 1818.  The construction of the current Macquarie Lighthouse was begun in 1881 and completed for the first use in 1883.  Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several upgrades.  In the beginning, the primary light was provided by a gas burner with a magneto powered electric system for use in extreme weather.  In 1912, the system was converted back to run on kerosene due to the expense of running the electric system.  In 1933, the system was converted back to electricity when it was connected to the city power supply.  In 1976, the lighthouse was changed to an automated operation and in 1989 the last lighthouse keeper was retired. 

Perforations: 14.5 by 13.8

Date of Issue: March 12, 2002

 

Algeria - Minerals - Calcite

Algeria -  Minerals - Calcite

The stamp shows a sample of the mineral Calcite.  It was issued as part of a set of 4 stamps all depicting different minerals.  The others in the set were Feldspar, Galena and Conglomerate.  This set continues the use of minerals on stamps by  Algeria that began with the issues of 1983 and 1994.

Perforations: 14

Date of Issue: 24 July 2002