The Netherlands’ PostNL issued the NL crypto stamp 4 – Hermes on September 18, 2025, in an edition of 15,000 pieces. The crypto stamp was released in collaboration with other national postal companies in Europe and was entitled “Mythical Greek Gods”. For previous issues, PostNL had already partnered with the postal companies of Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium and Portugal. As with the previous issues, the NL crypto stamp 4 – Hermes (the messenger of the gods and patron of commerce) features the value designation R for domestic registered mail up to and including 20 grams.
Belgium 2025
Athena, Goddess of wisdom and strategy, is seen on the Belgian stamp bearing the value indication 3 World of €9.00 for mail up to and including 100 grams with international destinations.
Austria 2025
The Austrian stamp, showing the Goddess Hera (who represents unity and loyalty) bears the value €9.90 for letterbox parcels in Europe.
Luxembourg 2025
Luxembourg has Artemis (Goddess of the hunt and wild nature) and the stamp bears the value indication €10.30 for packages up to and including 10 kg within Luxembourg.
And the Portuguese stamp, depicting Poseidon (God of the sea) with the value of €9.90, can be used, among other things, for mail up to 500 grams with international destinations.
Great Britain recently issued these eight special stamps, presented as four horizontal se-tenant pairs, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the supersonic aircraft Concorde’s first commercial flight on 21 January 1976. Striking photography showcases the iconic aircraft’s sleek and stylish design, from its distinctive wings to the signature “droop nose”. The Concorde had a delta wing design, which required it to take off and land at a very steep, nose-high angle. In this position, a fixed, streamlined nose would have completely blocked the pilots’ view of the runway. By making the nose adjustable, pilots could lower it to see where they were going during low-speed manoeuvres. The 1st Class stamp pairs show, from top to bottom:
Concorde flying overhead, 1985; Concorde celebrates ten years of service, 1985.
Concorde’s first British Airways livery, 1974; Concorde’s first UK commercial flight, 1976.
British pre-production Concorde rolled out, 1971;British pre-production Concorde in flight, 1974.
Concorde’s last British Airways livery, 1997; Concorde’s final commercial flight, 2003.
A small selection of stamps added to PostBeeld’s stock recently can be seen below. Please note:for each country featured in the article, there will have been many more stamps added to PostBeeld’s freestampcatalogue.com website.
Spain 2001
This 2001 infrastructure souvenir sheet issued by Spain showcases major engineering and transportation projects in Spain and highlights the country’s investment in high-speed rail and modern highway networks. Spain’s national postal service, Correos, produced the commemorative stamp sheet mark the 150th Anniversary of the Ministry of Public Works.
Spain 1998Spain 1999Spain 2000
The three Spain minisheets shown above form a three-year series (1998–2000) entitled “La Cartuja-Hierro del Bocado”. They were linked to the ESPANA 2000 World Stamp Exhibition held in Madrid in 2000 and promoted the world-famous La Cartuga horse breed.
Spain 2002
Continuing the horse theme in 2002 Spain produced an issue o commemorate the World Equestrian Games held in Jerez de la Frontera.
Spain 1992
Expo ’92, also known as the Universal Exposition of Seville 1992, was a major World’s Fair held in Seville in 1992. The theme was “Age of Discovery and it commemorated the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas. As seen here Expo ’92 stamp sets were issued featuring the innovative pavilions and infrastructure of the exposition.
Aden 1967
And yet more horse stamps! The 1967 Aden-Kathiri State of Seiyun stamp sheet features the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and its world-renowned Lipizzaner stallions.
Aden 1968
The following year Aden-Kathiri produced this sheet with the stamp featuring French artist Jacques-Louis David’s painting “Napoleon on Horseback Crossing the St Bernard Pass”.
Albania 2009
This 2009 Albania Europa booklet was issued on December 11, 2009, and celebrated that year’s subject – the International Year of Astronomy.
Albania 2010
To commemorate the 90th anniversary of its National Library, situated in the nation’s capital Tirana, in 2010 Albania issued the stamps seen above.
German Empire 1928
These Germany stamps depict the most successful zeppelin ever built – the LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin – which flew more than a million miles on 590 flights, carrying over 34,000 passengers without a single injury. In its nine years of service it made the first commercial passenger flight across the Atlantic, the first commercial passenger flight around the world, flew a scientific mission over the North Pole and made the first regularly scheduled transatlantic passenger crossings by air.
German Empire 1933
And here we have a mint never-hinged set of German Empire definitives with the portrait of Paul von Hindenburg.
German Empire 1935
German Empire 1936 Winter Olympic Games stamps issued in 1935 for the competition held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
Portugal 1974
Phosphor band definitives featuring historical buildings produced by Portugal in 1974.
France 2006
From France in 2006, here we have a Marianne stamp with a personal “Timbres Plus tab.
France 2008
This attractive set of stamps depicting a variety of circus acts was issued by France in 2008.
The latest in our series of unusual subjects on postage stamps features fishing hooks disguised as flies, other insects or small fish.
South Africa, Transkei 1980
The superbly illustrated minisheet above show Zug Bug, March Brown, Durham Ranger, Colonel Bates and Black Gnat fish lures. You have to love the names! The subject led to four further issues from Transkei up to and including 1984.
South Africa, Transkei 1981
In 1981 the stamps showed Wickham’s Fancy, Jock Scott, Green Highlander, Tan Nymph and Kent’s Lightning.
South Africa, Transkei 1982
In 1982 the lures depicted were Blue Charm, Royal Coachman, Light Spruce, Montana Nymph and Butcher.
South Africa, Transkei 1983
The 1983 stamps had the Silver Wilkinson, Alexandra, Kent’s Marbled Sedge, White Marabou and Mayfly Nymph lures.
South Africa, Transkei 1984
The final set of Transkei fly fishing stamps showed Silver Grey, Ginger Quill, Hardy’s Favourite, March Brown Nymph and Kent’s Spectrum Mohawk.
Canada 1998
In 1998 Post Canada issued six 45 cent stamps featuring the Cosseboom Special, the Coho Blue, the Dark Montreal, the Steelhead Bee, the Coquihalla Orange and the Lady Amherst.
United States of America 2025
USPS has featured fishing lures twice to my knowledge, the most recent being 2025’s fine stamps. They depicted Crankbait, Popper, Spoon, Spinner and Wakebait disguised hooks.
United States of America 1991
First Class Mail rate stamps produced by the US Postal Service in 1991. Royal Wulff, Jock Scott, Apte Tarpon Fly, Lefty’s Deceiver, and Muddler Minnow lures.
New Zealand 1997
In this stamp issue from New Zealand in 1997, four species of trout were featured – on the 40c a ‘Rainbow Trout with Red Setter Fly’, the $1.00 stamp a ‘Sea-run Brown Trout with Grey Ghost Fly’, $1.50 ‘Brook Trout (char) with Twilight Beauty Fly’, and $1.80 ‘Brown Trout with Hare & Cooper Fly’.
The Chinese New Year begins on February 17th this year, 2026 being the year of the Horse – to be precise the Year of the Fire Horse. Horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac signs, coming after the Snake and before the Goat. Recent years of the Horse include 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, and 1942. It is associated with the earthly branch sign of wu.
China 2026 [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn]
The China National Philatelic Corporation has issued a series of Year of the Horse postage stamps. Above is a sheet incorporating stamps for issue in China, Hong Kong and Macao.
Åland 2025
This miniature sheet from Åland captures horse life at an Åland stable. The inspiration for the edition is Stall JoY in the village of Samuelstorp in Hammarland, the only Åland stable to offer equine-assisted therapy for children and adults with functional disabilities.
Liechtenstein 2025
The special stamp featured on the Liechtenstein Horse Year issue was designed by internationally renowned Hong Kong artist Dr KAN Tai-keung.
France 2014
The 2014 France “Year of the Horse” stamp was issued by France’s La Poste to celebrate the Chinese New Year which fell under the sign of the Wood Horse.
Zambia 2002
Zambia’s 2002 “Horse” minisheet featured Tang Dynasty pottery and porcelain figurines.
Guyana 2002
2002 was the year of the Water Horse in the Chinese zodiac, representing energy and a spirited nature. Here we have a stamp sheet from Guyana.
Indonesia 2014
Indonesia produced the above superb special folder in 2014.
Singapore 2002
At time of writing PostBeeld has three of the above minisheets from Singapore, mint never hinged, in stock.
Above, a Hong Kong Year of the Horse booklet, and below an attractive minisheet – issued in 1990.
Hong Kong 1990Macao 1990
Above is a stamp booklet issued by Macao in 1990.
China 2014
Two of the offerings from China in 2014 – a minisheet and below a Year of the Horse stamp booklet.
China 2014Japan 1965
While the zodiac cycles every 12 years, the Fire Horse year appears just once every 60 years, making it especially rare. This sheet, issued by Japan in 1965 for the 1966 Year of the Horse, depicts an artist’s impression of the Firs Horse.
The subject of 2025’s Black Heritage stamp series is Allen Toussaint (1938–2015), an American musician, songwriter, arranger and record producer. He was an influential figure in New Orleans rhythm and blues music from the 1950s to the end of the century. Toussaint was described as “one of popular music’s great backroom figures.” Many musicians recorded his compositions. His songwriting resonated with musicians across genres, leading him to collaborate with icons like Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and more. Today, Toussaint’s legacy lives on in the vibrant music of New Orleans, the artists he inspired, and the timeless catalogue of songs he helped bring into the world. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He was a producer for hundreds of recordings – possibly the best known are “Right PLace, Wrong Time”, by long-time friend and New Orleans musician Dr. John, and “Lady Marmalade” by Labelle.
Issued in 2025 to celebrate a major U.S. Postal Service anniversary, the minisheet “250 Years of Delivering” is a superbly illustrated pane of 20 interconnected stamps representing the ubiquitous presence of USPS throughout the years — and the vital role the postal system has played in connecting Americans since 1775.
United States of America 2025United States of America 2025
The 250th anniversary Benjamin Franklin stamp seen here is a modern interpretation of an 1875 reproduction of the very first U.S. stamp from 1847, which also featured Franklin.
United States of America 1956
The 250th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s birth commemorative stamp above, issued in 1956, features painter Benjamin West’s portrait “Franklin Taking Electricity from the Sky.” This work depicts the story associated with Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, as he looks toward the sky in an attempt to draw an electric current using a key.
A small selection of stamps added to PostBeeld’s stock recently can be seen below. Please note:for each country featured in the article, there will have been many more stamps added to PostBeeld’s freestampcatalogue.com website.
Sri Lanka 2005
Vesak (or Wesak, Buddha Day) is the most sacred Buddhist festival – commemorating the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and passing (Parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) all on the same day, traditionally the full moon in May. Celebrated globally, it involves temple visits, chanting, meditation, offering flowers/candles, releasing caged animals to symbolise liberation, and performing good deeds to honour the Buddha’s message of compassion and peace. The stamps above and below, from Sri Lanka, were issued to celebrate Vesak.
Sri Lanka 2017Suriname 1945
The portrait on this fine stamp set from Suriname depicts Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands from 1890 until her abdication in 1948. She reigned for nearly 58 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in Dutch history, as well as the longest-reigning female monarch outside the United Kingdom.
Suriname 1948
And here we have a fine 1948 definitive set with the portrait of Wilhelmina’s successor, Queen Juliana (1909-2004). In 1948 Suriname was a colony of the Netherlands. Queen Juliana reigned from 1948 to 1980.
Algeria 1981
Just added is a great selection of butterfly stamps, seen here some from Algeria and the Central African Republic.
Central African Republic 1976St. Vincent 1974
Also many beautiful bird stamps, such as these from St.Vincent (1974) and the Cayman Islands (1975) – all mint, never hinged.
Cayman Islands 1975Yugoslavia 1969
For horse lovers we have these beauties from Yugoslavia, issued in 1969.
Netherlands Antilles 1947
Above is a quite rare set of airmail definitives. In 1947 the island of Curacao was part of what was then known as the Netherlands Antilles – a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea.
St. Pierre and Miquelon 2013
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French archipelago twenty-five kilometers south of the Canadian island of Newfoundland. Above and below are stamp strips showing panoramic views of two bays on the archipelago.
The French Southern and Antarctic Territories 2025 (TAAF)
And here is a great five-stamp minisheet of French Southern and Antarctic Territories (TAAF) stamps – produced to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the TAAF. The territory includes the Crozet Islands, the Kerguelen Islands, and the Saint Paul and Amsterdam Islands in the southern Indian Ocean near 43°S, 67°E, along with Adélie Land, the sector of Antarctica claimed by France.
In 2016 Great Britain’s Royal mail produced a set of eight special stamps to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Capability Brown is remembered as ‘the last of the great eighteenth century artists’ and as ‘England’s greatest gardener’. Nicknamed ‘Capability’ from his habit of describing locations as having ‘great capabilities’, he changed the face of eighteenth century England through his innovative approach to landscape gardening.
Great Britain 2016
He designed the landscapes of country estates, by moving hills and creating flowing lakes and serpentine rivers. He also excavated valleys, planted expanses of turf, clumps of trees and bands of forest. The stamps showcase eight of the best loved examples of Capability Brown’s work and a celebration of his contribution to the English landscape. Locations featured on the stamps are:
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – Often viewed as an example of one of Brown’s finest projects, The Duke of Marlborough enticed Brown to Oxfordshire in 1763, with the promise that he should begin work at Blenheim Palace immediately.
Longleat, Wiltshire – Set in 900 acres of parkland modelled by Brown. For his efforts at Longleat in Wiltshire, Brown was paid over £6,100 between 1757 and 1762 by Lord Weymouth.
Compton Verney, Warwickshire – Brown’s 1768 arrival at Compton Verney, Warwickshire, sparked Lord Willoughby de Broke to undertake ambitious changes to the family seat – including both the house and landscape.
Highclere Castle, Hampshire – Henry Herbert, later 1st Earl of Carnarvon, summoned Brown to Highclere Castle shortly after he inherited the Berkshire estate in 1769. The castle was used as the location for the TV series, Downton Abbey.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland – Shortly before 1770, Brown began work at the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland’s northern estate, Alnwick Castle, after having previously worked for them at Syon. Northumberland was the county of Brown’s birth.
Berrington Hall, Herefordshire – In 1778, Brown supplied a landscape plan for Thomas Harley at Berrington Hall, Herefordshire, working there in perfect partnership with his son-in-law, the architect, Henry Holland Jnr.
Stowe, Buckinghamshire – The vast Buckinghamshire estate belonging to the formidable Viscount Cobham, was where Brown cut his horticultural teeth. He modelled the Grecian Valley with the Temple of Concord and Victory.
Croome Park, Worcestershire – Brown was first consulted regarding Croome Park in Worcestershire in 1751, when George William Coventry inherited the earldom. This was his first independent commission.
Celebrated for creating landscapes on an immense scale, with a focus on vistas rather than gardens and parkland – it is often said that the images Brown created are as deeply embedded in the English character as the paintings of Turner and the poetry of Wordsworth.
The commemorative Miniature Sheet issued by Great Britain in 2025 honoured the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway – the World’s first steam-powered public railway. The four First Class stamps capture milestone events in the history of the Railway. From left to right the stamps show: The Railway’s opening ceremony in 1825; Locomotion No.1 at Darlington in 1890; The Centenary in 1925; and a replica of Locomotion No.1 riding the rails in 1975. The stamps are set against a sepia-coloured backdrop featuring the issue’s title in typography taken from a Stockton & Darlington Railway Company share certificate, and an illustration of rolling stock on the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
Great Britain 2025
Also in this issue these six special stamps showcase the origins and evolution of British locomotives across two centuries, with evocative photography and elegant illustrations that bring to life the iconic steam machines that powered the Industrial Revolution. The six First Class landscape stamps were presented as vertical se-tenant pairs. In chronological order the stamps show: Locomotion No. 1 at the opening of the first steam-powered public railway in 1825; Rocket, the locomotive that won the Rainhill Trials, helping launch the railway age, 1829; City of Truro, unofficially timed at 100mph in 1904; Mallardbecame the fastest steam locomotive ever in 1938; the locomotive Duchess of Hamilton was exhibited the New York World’s Fair, 1939; and Evening Star– the last steam locomotive built for British Railways, 1960.
