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Iceland 2013-09-12
On September 12, 2013 Iceland Post issued a new stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the emergence of the volcanic island Surtsey. The stamp does not outwardly show a denomination, but the face value of a single stamp is ISK 565 (approx USD 4.70) appears to be valid for domestic service up to 1500 grams. The stamp is issued in sheets of ten, with two rows containing five stamps. Having a fascinating history, Surtsey island emerged from the ocean on November 14, 1963 in a volcanic eruption that continued until June 1967. At its largest the area of the island was about three sq.km., however it has been eroded by ocean waves and is now only about half of its initial size. A diverse amount of vegetation can be found on the island which now resembles its neighboring islands. The island is a model site for biocolonisation research. The island is rich in bird life with fulmars, black guillemot, gulls, puffins and other bird species. In 2008, Surtsey island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
