CPS Resource CentreSwiss Post released a set of three mini-sheets making the bicentenary of the cantons of Geneva, Neuchatel and Valais joining the Swiss Confederation.
Switzerland 2015-05-07
The sheets issued on May 7, 2015 depict stylized images of the flags of the three cantons set in a 2 x 3 block of stamps. On the right hand portion of the sheets, three unique maps surround the stamps in the background of each of the sheets.
Canada 2015-08-06
On August 6, 2015 Canada Post released a set of stamps marking the 2014 discovery of the remains of HMS Erebus, one of two ships from Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1840’s journey in search of the Northwest Passage. A number of formats of the issue exist. On the pane of 16 stamps, set in two columns with a red seal bearing Franklin’s portrait in gutter, are eight pairs of se-tenant domestic stamps. The left stamp depicts the HMS Erebus encased in ice, while the right stamp shows a map of the Arctic region where the expedition perished. Text in the gutter of the pane and locations on the map are written in Inuktut, a tribute to the stories of Inuit eyewitnesses, passed down through oral accounts which helped pinpoint the discovery of the remains. A single-stamp, international rate ($2.50) mini-sheet was also issued. The main background image of the mini-sheet shows an underwater photo depicting the finding of Erebus’ bell. This is overlaid by a a map of the region where the expedition perished. The international stamp on the mini-sheet features a sonar image of HMS Erebus with a line drawing of the ship’s main deck. A booklet, featuring 10 stamps from the domestic pane was also issued. The background on the booklet sheet appears to be a different smaller scale map of the area.
Canada 2015-07-10
In addition to the Franklin Expedition issue, on July 10, 2015 Canada Post released a booklet of 10 self-adhesive domestic Permanent “P” denominated stamps honoring Canadian author and Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro. While there is no map on the actual stamp, a slightly visible map is shown in the upper left corner of the booklet pane. The main design of the issue features a photograph of Ms. Munro taken by her daughter Sheila. Regarding the rest of the design Canada Post describes as containing “a sample of Munro’s handwriting from archival material, and vintage images of Wingham, Ontario, the author’s birthplace and the stamp’s cancel site.” Perhaps the map is from that area, additional information would be helpful. Ms. Munro’s second husband, Gerald Fremlin, was a cartographer and geographer, so possibly the map design has a connection there too.
Denmark 2015-06-27
Saluting the “Tour of Denmark” bicycle race, Denmark Post issued a sheet of stamps marking the 25th anniversary of the race. The June 27, 2015 issue features 10 franking labels. The images feature highlights from the history of the race, including some of the winners. In the center of the sheet is a map of Denmark showing the route. The sheet includes five franking labels with a denomination of DKK 7.00, and five franking labels with a denomination of DKK 10.00.
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| Spain 2015-06-04 |
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| Spain 2015-06-17 |
In two recent issues from Spain Post, the first on June 4, 2015 is a single EUR 0.42 denomination stamp dedicated to the World Food Program (WFP). The stamp depicts a world map made from food producing seeds a hand placing the seeds. Spain Post describes the dual symbolism of the image: on the one hand, WFP is working for a hunger-free world by providing the production necessary for universal provision and, at the same time, it is the hand that picks the food needed. The second issue on June 17, 2015 marks the 400th anniversary of the Mint of Madrid. The Mint of Madrid was founded by a Royal Decree from Felipe III on 18 February 1614. The mini-sheet includes a EUR 3.23 stamp with the portrait of the Duke of Uceda, the first director of the Mint. In the background, is what appears to be an oblique aerial view of the city streets and buildings surrounding the Mint, with the Mint building appearing at the bottom of the sheet. [better images on these two Spanish issues are needed. -admin]
