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Recently Added to Stock

Recently Added to Stock

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.

United Nations New York 2025

This souvenir sheet from the United Nations Postal Administration features images of the United Nations pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan. The exposition is open until October 13th 2025. The stamps on the souvenir sheet show close-up photos of the pavilion and are denominated in three different currencies. The $1.65 for use from the post office at U.N. headquarters in New York City; 2.50 francs for use from the post office at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland; and €1.90 for use from the Vienna International Centre in Vienna, Austria.

Spain 1953

Above, two quite rare air mail stamps issued by Spain in 1953. The 25ptas shows Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (1510-1572), a Spanish explorer and conquistador, best known for leading the successful expedition that established Spanish control over the Philippines in the 16th century. The 50 ptas stamp has a portrait of Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1863–1923), one of history’s most brilliant artists and yet despite his exhibitions attracting vast attendances his stunning oil paintings are still not widely known outside Spain.

Belgium 2004

From Belgium 2004 is this fine set of bird stamps. They depict, in order of value: 0.01Euro cent, the Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos); 0.40c a Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata); 0.44c the Western House Martin (Delichon urbicum); 0.55c a Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius); 0.65c Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus); 0.75c European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria); and the €4 stamp has an Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo).

Portugal 2000

This minisheet from Portugal, issued in 2000 features old photographs of cod fishermen.

Latvia 2014

As part of the movement to gain independence from the Soviet Union, on the 23rd of August 1989 approximately two million inhabitants of the Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – joined hands forming a human chain from Tallinn through Riga to Vilnius. The Baltic Way was organised by the national movements of the Baltic states: the Estonian Rahvarinne, the Latvian Popular front of Latvia and the Lithuanian Sajūdis.

Latvia 2014
Lithuania 2014

The participants gathered in the cities and villages where the campaign was to take place or drove to the less inhabited Baltic territories where the Baltic Way was to wind through. According to the news agency Reuters, the campaign gathered 700,000 people in Estonia, 500,.000 in Latvia and 1,000,000 in Lithuania. 

Estonia 2014

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the peaceful protest, the postal authorities of the three countries: Lietuvos paštas; Eesti Post; and Latvijas Pasts, issued special stamps and postmarked covers.

Syria 2024

In 2024 Syria produced this item to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Chess Federation.

Ecuador 2014

In 2014 Ecuador and Peru had a joint issue for the 15th anniversary of the 1998 Brasilia Peace Agreement that ended a territorial dispute between Ecuador and Peru. Because of the size and location of the contested area, it had remained a source of regional instability and continental tensions for decades. Above is a first day cover from Ecuador and below the stamp from Peru.

Peru 2014

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Smurfing Together for a Better World?

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Smurfing Together for a Better World?

“Smurfing together for a better world” – that’s the title given to this great stamp sheet issued this year by Belgium’s bpost.

Belgium 2025

The Belgian writer and artist Pierre Culliford(1928-1992), also known professionally as Peyo, was the creator of the various popular Smurf cartoon characters depicted on the stamps. He once said: “As a child I already liked to draw, but actually all children draw. Some of them grow up, serious people. Others refuse to take that step and make comic book characters”.

On the stamps, the Smurfs, as ambassadors of the United Nations, show their contributions to the organisation’s 17 goals for a better world: Reduced inequality; Life on land/Climate action; Industry, innovation and infrastructure; Decent work and economic growth/Quality education; Life below water/Clean water and sanitation; Affordable and clean energy/Sustainable cities and communities; Good health and well-being; No poverty and gender equality; Peace, justice and strong institutions.

Belgium 2008

The Smurfs first appeared in the Belgian comic “Spirou” in 1958. The minisheet shows Smurfs celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2008.

Belgium 2018
Germany 2022

This stamp was issued by Germany in 2022. It’s 67 years since the Smurfs were created and they remain popular in almost every country in the world.

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Unusual Topic – Parachuting

Unusual Topic – Parachuting

If one of your favourite topics is parachuting here we have a small selection of stamps which might be of interest. The items in the article do not include stamps featuring paragliding, of which there are also many.

Bulgaria 1960

The 5th International Parachute Championships were held in Bulgaria in August 1960.

Hungary 1967

The ‘Homo Volans’ (Flying Man) parachute was invented by Fausto Veranzio (1551-1617), a Dalmatian philosopher, historian and inventor. It is shown on the Hungary stamp pair seen above.

DDR 1966

These three stamps were issued by the DDR (East Germany) to commemorate the 1966 World Parachuting Championships held in Leipzig.

Belgium 1960

Then we have six values produced by Belgium in 1960.

Isle of Man 1992

4 sheets of se-tenant pairs of 23p, 28p and 39p Isle of Man stamps issued in 1992. The stamps depict parachute regiments at various past military operations: 23p – North Africa and Italy 1942-1943, Operation Overlord Normandy June 1944; 28p – Operation Market Garden Arnhem Sept 1944, Operation Varsity Rhine March 1945; and 39p – Near Middle & Far East 1945-1968, Operation Corporate Falkland Islands 1982.

France 2013

Featured on this French stamp from 2013 is Adolphe Pégoud, a French aviator and flight instructor who became the first fighter ace in history during World War I.

Peru 2009

Peru produced the se-tenat stamp pair featuring skydiving in 2009.

Russia 2012

The knapsack parachute was created in Russia in 1912 by a Russian engineer, Gleb Kotelnikov. This stamp was issued to celebrate his invention’s centenary.

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Recently Added to Stock

Recently Added to Stock

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.

Deutsche Democratische Republik 1964

The Deutsche Democratische Republik (DDR), more commonly known as East Germany, produced this fine stamp sheet to celebrate the Republic’s 15th anniversary. This example was issued without gum. The text on the bottom of the sheet, “Auferstanden aus Ruinen und der Zukunft zugewandt …”, refers to the song that became the national anthem of the DDR – “Auferstanden aus Ruinen” (Risen from the Ruins).

DDR 1978

From 1978, this East Germany foursome highlights various aspects of the nation’s postal service.

Monaco 2000

Monaco produced these four stamps in 2000, depicting not only classic cars but also ladies’ fashion at the time the cars were originally made. With values in Euros and French Francs the cars shown are: a Humber Beeston from 1911 (3.00F), a 1947 Jaguar Mark IV (6.70F), 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud (10.00F) and a 1986 Lamborghini Countach (15.00).

Netherlands Antilles 1979

This great definitives set with a variety of perforations produced for the Netherlands Antilles in 1979. The stamps feature Queen Juliana of the Netherlands who reigned from 1948 until her abdication in 1980. And below, rare Queen Juliana definitives from 1950.

Netherlands Antilles 1950
Mexico 1992

This attractive and very originaly designed stamp set was issued by Mexico to commemorate the 1992 Olympic Games, held in Barcelona.

Montserrat 1971

Leeward Islands Air Transport Services was founded in Montserrat in 1956 and began flying with a single Piper Apache aircraft operating between Antigua and Montserrat. The aircraft on this fine minisheet are, in value order: 5c Piper Apache PA-23; 10c Beech 50 Twin Bonanza VP-LIF; 15c De Havilland DH-114 Heron 2 VP-LIA; 20c Britten Norman Islander VP-LAE; 40c De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 VP-LIR; and 75c Hawker Siddeley HS-748 VP-LIP. After various takeovers and a rebranding the company, LIAT (1974) ceased operations in 2024.

Switzerland 2000

The city of Saint Gallen, Switzerland, was once known as the embroidery capital of the world, with century-old textile houses such as Forster Rohner, Bischoff and Jakob Schlaepfer supplying lace across Europe. The embroidery machine was invented there in the early 1900s. The embroidered stamps on the stamp above and on the first day cover below were issued by Switzerland in 2000.

Switzerland 2000

 

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Poland’s Failed Record Attempt

Poland’s Failed Record Attempt

In 1938 Poland issued a stamp to commemorate what turned out to be a failed attempt to break the record for reaching Earth’s stratosphere in a manned balloon flight.

Poland 1938

The balloon “Gwiazda Polski” (Star of Poland) was going to attempt to reach the stratosphere and beat the high-altitude world record, established on November 11, 1935 by Albert William Stevens and Orvil Anderson, in their “Explorer II” balloon. Stevens and Anderson managed to ascend to the altitude of 22,066 meters (72,395 feet). The Polish crew, consisting of Captain Zbigniew Burzynski and Doctor Konstanty Jodko-Narkiewicz, made the record attempt in the Chocholowska Valley area of the western Tatra mountains in October, 1938. Unfortunately the balloon caught fire when it was less than 100 feet above the ground. The crew members escaped unharmed.

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Past Bird of the Year Issues

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Past Bird of the Year Issues

BirdLife International is a global family of 123 national partners covering all continents, landscapes and seascapes and the official scientific source of information on birds for the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. BirdLife International’s mission is to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity, working with people toward sustainability in the use of natural resources. The stamps seen here were issued in collaboration with BirdLife International and various postal authorities.

Solomon Islands 2004

Solomon Islands produced the magnificent stamp sheets above and below in 2004 and 2005 respectively. The top six stamps depict: the West Solomons Owl (Athene jacquinoti), a Solomons Nightjar (Eurostopodus nigripennis), the Guadalcanal Owl (Athene granti), a Marbled Frogmouth (Podargus ocellatus) and the Hawk Owl (Ninox jacquinoti). The middle sheet features the Beach Kingfisher (Todiramphus saurophaga), the Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris), the Ultramarine Kingfisher (Todiramphus leucopygius), the Moustached Kingfisher (Actenoides bougainvillei), the Little Kingfisher (Alcedo pusilla) and the Variable Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx lepidus). Bottom six show: the Rufous-tailed Waterhen (Amaurornis moluccana), the Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus phillapensis), Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), Woodford’s Rail (Nesoclopeus woodfordi), the Roviana Rail (Gallirallus rovianae) and the Makira Woodhen (Gallinula silvestris).

Solomon Islands 2005

Top sheet shows: Finsch’s Pygmy Parrot (Micropsitta finschii), a Cardinal Lory (Pseudeos cardinalis), the Solomons Corella (Cacatua ducorpsii), a Moluccan Eclectus (Eclectus roratus), a Coconut Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) and a Song Parrot (Geoffroyus heteroclitus). in the middle is: a Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon (Ducula rubricera), the Yellow-bibbed Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus solomonensis), the Claret-breasted Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus viridis), a Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica), Stephan’s Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps stephani) and the Crested Cuckoo-Dove (Reinwardtoena crassirostris). The bottom sheet has: the Pied Goshawk (Accipiter albogularis), an Imitator Goshawk (Accipiter imitator), a Buff-headed Coucal (Centropus milo), a Black-faced Pitta (Pitta anerythra), the Melanesian Megapode (Megapodius eremita) and Blyth’s Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus).

Kyrgyzstan 2019

Kyrgyzstan is active with its BirdLife International issues. Above, from 2019 is the Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax).

Kyrgyzstan 2020

The following year’s stamp featured the White-browed tit-warbler (Leptopoecile sophiae) a rare, non-migratory bird native to Kyrgyzstan. It belongs to the Long-tailed tit family of birds from the order Passerine. This is one of the smallest representatives of Kyrgyz fauna.

Kyrgyzstan 2021

Then, the 2021 and 2023 stamps had the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) and the Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus), a migratory bird from the duck family. A characteristic feature of the appearance of these geese is the presence of two black bars on the crown and nape. In Kyrgyzstan, they nest exclusively on the high mountain lake Chatyr-Kul.

Kyrgyzstan 2023
Belarus 2020

From Belarus, its BirdLife International stamps from 2020 and 2022 depicted the Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and, below, an Azure Tit (Cyanistes cyanus).

Belarus 2022

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Rubik’s Cube

Rubik’s Cube

The Rubik’s Cube (Magic Cube) is a mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and architecture professor Ernő Rubik. It was patented in Hungary in 1975 and gained extraordinary worldwide popularity during the 1980s. Both Hungary and Kyrgyzstan produced stamps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its appearance.

Hungary 2025

The player’s task is to “solve the Rubik’s Cube” by rotating its faces to restore it to its original state, where each face consists of squares of the same colour. Enthusiasts of speed-solving the Rubik’s Cube are called speedcubers, and the activity itself is known as speedcubing. In the classic 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube speedcubing discipline, the current world record for a single attempt is 3.13 seconds, set by American Max Park. Speedcubing competitions are held at the European, Asian and world levels.

Kyrgyzstan 2024

In May 2024, a robot developed by Mitsubishi Electric engineers set a new Guinness World Record by solving the Rubik’s Cube in 0.305 seconds, surpassing the previous record.

Kyrgyzstan 2024

In addition to mechanical versions, electronic versions of the Rubik’s Cube also exist.

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Recently Added to Stock

Recently Added to Stock

A fine collection of Vatican City stamps has been added to PostBeeld’s stock, a selection of which is seen here, along with many other interesting items. Check the Freestampcatalogue.com website often for the latest stock updates.

Vatican 1929

Pope Pius XI (31 May 1857-10 February 1939), was elected Pope and head of the Catholic Church in 1922. Upon the creation of the Vatican City as an independent state in 1929 he became its first “sovereign”. He remained pope until his death in February 1939. At top we have the first definitive stamps issued by Vatican City after becoming an independent state.

Vatican 1931

Here is a fine set of 1931 definitives overprinted “Per Pacchi” (parcel post).

Vatican 1931

Above, six 1931 postage due overprints.

Vatican 1933

The eighteen stamps above were issued by Vatican City in 1933. The stamps have differing values and designs and there are two special delivery stamps. Four of the stamps feature the Vatican Gardens and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The special delivery stamps show an aerial view of Vatican City State.

Vatican 1934

And here is an overprinted 1934 Provisional Series set.

Vatican 1939

Definitives from 1939, the year of Pius XI’s death. The stamps are overprinted “Sede Vacante”, the period when the Holy See (the jurisdiction of the Pope in Rome) lacks a pope. The Latin phrase is commonly used in reference to the time between the end of one papacy and the beginning of another.

Canada 2002

Great stamp sheet issued by Canada in 2002. The stamp sheet has eight stamps showing mountains from different indicated continents. The mountains are (clockwise from the top): Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Aconcagua (Argentina), Mount McKinley (USA), Mount Logan (Canada), Elbrus (Russia), Puncak Java (Indonesia) and Mount Everest (Nepal/China).

Ukraine 2012

Many Ukrainian stamps added to the catalogue, including the frog/toad stamps shown here and two fine Ukrainian stamp minisheets depicting Chinese zodiac creatures.

Ukraine 2013
China 1997

And a great new selection of items from China. Above, a 1997 stamp sheet overprinted Year 2000. Below, a Chinese fairy stories stamp sheet.

China 2004
Ghana 1990

The last stamps are from Ghana. Above, issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Penny Black in 1990.

Ghana 1995

And finally, from 1995, a Water Birds sheet and two Olympic Games stamps produced for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Ghana 1995

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New Great Britain Myths & Legends Stamps

New Great Britain Myths & Legends Stamps

Great Britain’s Royal Mail has issued eight new square First Class stamps telling the story of some of the United Kingdom’s popular myths and legends – from the heroic Beowulf to the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Artist Adam Simpson’s beautiful and evocative illustrations bring to life these fabled figures of folklore in vibrant, enchanting detail. The stamp below depicts the warrior Beowulf battling with his arch enemy Grendel.

Great Britain 2025

The epic poem “Beowulf” deals with events of the early 6th century and was possibly composed c.700–750. It tells the story of the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, who gains fame as a young man by vanquishing the monster Grendel and Grendel’s mother. Later, as an ageing king, he kills a dragon but dies soon after, honoured and lamented.

Great Britain 2025

From Welsh mythology comes the story of Blodeuwedd, a character from the stories of the Mabinogi. The Mabinogi is a collection of mythical Welsh tales divided into four parts.

Great Britain 2025

Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster is probably the most well-known of the myths.

Great Britain 2025

Cornish Piskies (Pixies) were a mythical fairy tribe in Cornwall, said to have been helpful yet mischievous and often blamed for leading travellers astray.

Great Britain 2025

Fionn Mac Cumhail or Finn MacCool was the legendary giant Irish warrior/hunter who led a band of Irish warriors known as the Fianna and created what is known as the Giant’s Causeway, now one of Ireland’s biggest tourist attractions. 

Great Britain 2025

Eastern England’s Suffolk Coast is known to be steeped in ancient legends and myths, not least the chilling tale of a ghostly dog by the name of Black Shuck! The beast is said to roam the coastline and countryside of East Anglia, its name possibly derived from the old English word ‘succa’ meaning devil.

Great Britain 2025

In England’s red and white rose counties Lancashire and Yorkshire, there are folk tales of small, scaly humanoid creatures with green skin. They have sharp teeth and vicious claws at the end of their long fingers. These creatures, called the Grindylow, supposedly live in marshes and ponds, waiting to ambush prey. When a child comes too close to the water surface, the Grindylow snatches it and drags its victim under the water.

Great Britain 2025

A selkie is a marine legend, with roots in Irish and Scottish mythology, that tells of people who are half fish and half-human. In the water, they are seals, but on land, they shed their skin and take on human form. 

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Denmark’s PostNord will deliver its final letter at the end of 2025!

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Denmark’s PostNord will deliver its final letter at the end of 2025!

PostNord will deliver its final letter in Denmark at the end of 2025 and focus its business on one core service from 2026: Parcels. Our goal is to become the Danes’ preferred parcel courier. Research shows a decrease of more than 90 percent. in the volume of letters handled by PostNord Danmark from 2000 to 2024. It’s rather ironic that PostNord issued the stamps below in 2024, beautifully designed by Thomas Thorhauge, depicting Danish postmen through the ages. The stamps are for domestic use only

Denmark 2024

From 2026, this means that you will no longer be able to send and receive letters with PostNord in Denmark. From 2026, this means that you will no longer be able to send and receive letters with PostNord in Denmark. PostNord Denmark has been appointed by the Danish Ministry of Transport to handle international mail until 31 December 2025. After that, it will be up to the Ministry of Transport to decide, e.g. through a tender, who will handle the task in the future.

From June 1st 2025 PostNord will begin removing the 1,500 mailboxes currently located around the country, and we will continue the removal until the end of 2025. Each mailbox well be marked well in advance when it will be removed. The mailboxes can be used until they are removed. All mailboxes are expected to be fully removed by 31 December 2025. We are working to ensure that the iconic red mailboxes will have a new purpose when they no longer contain letters. 

Denmark 2024

The souvenir stamp sheet above was issued in conjunction with the stamp exhibition “HAFNIA 2024” in Copenhagen. The theme of the exhibition was to celebrate 400 years of a postal service in Denmark, the oldest postal service in the Nordic lands.

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