Kyrgyzstan COVID-19 Semi-Postal Sells Out

Via e-mail, Kyrgyz Express Post reports:

Click for a larger view

We also hasten to inform you about our first sold-out stamp! From now on the stamp “164M. Stop COVID-19!” is only available in annual collections on our website.

The proceeds from the charity fundraiser were donated to the fund “Help the Children – SKD”. You can read about how the fund had distributed the proceeds on their Facebook page (use page translation).

We are grateful to everyone who purchased this stamp, and thereby helped in a good deed!

According to the automatically-translated Facebook page of Help the Children-SKD, 175,000 Kyrgyz soms (US $2,063.80) were raised by these stamps, of which 151,834 soms (US $1,790.60) was used for the purchased of drugs for COVID-19 treatment.

Christmas (Australia 2020)

Australia’s annual Christmas stamp issue celebrates the Christmas holiday, highlighting both traditional and secular themes.

This year’s traditional Christmas stamps feature the art of Leopoldine Mimovich OAM (1920–2019). A celebrated sculptor and artist, Mimovich received many honours, including an Order of the Medal of Australia (OAM) in 1985 for her service to sculpture. Her work is represented in many private collections, churches and public buildings in Australia and throughout the world, including the United Nations Art Collection in New York. The illustrations featured on the three non-religious or secular stamps are by Melbourne-based designer and illustrator Sarah Allen. Each stamp design incorporates native Australian flora and fauna.

The five stamps in the set are:

  • 65c Wreath (secular)
  • 65c Stocking (secular)
  • 65c Mother and Child (religious)
  • $2.20 Pudding (secular)
  • $2.20 Holy Family (religious)

Technical Specifications:
Issue date: 30-October-2020*
Issue withdrawal date: 31-December-2021
Denomination: 65c x 3, $2.20 x 2
Stamp illustrations (secular): Sarah Allen
Stamp design (secular): Andrew Hogg
Stamp artwork (religious): Leopoldine Mimovitch
Stamp design (religious): Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Product design: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper: gummed: Tullis Russell
Paper: self-adhesive: Arconvert Securpost
Printer (secular): Egotrade
Printer (religious): RA Printing
Printing process: Offset lithography
Stamp size (mm): 26 x 37.5
Minisheet size (mm): 135 x 50
Sheetlet size (mm): 120 x 192
Perforations: 14.6 x 13.86
Sheet layout: Module of 50
FDI Postmark: Merrylands NSW 2160
FDI withdrawal date: 31-January-2021

Vatican: Joint Christmas Issue with Austria (2020)

[press release, via Google Translate]

The Light of Peace from Bethlehem is the inspiring theme of the Vatican issue dedicated to Christmas 2020, including, in addition to the traditional stamps and booklet, also a leaflet in joint issue with Austria. In the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem there is an oil lamp that has been burning perpetually for many centuries, fueled by oil donated in turn by all the Christian nations of the earth. Every year in December, just before Christmas, a child selected from among the Austrian scout groups for his particular commitment in the social field, draws from that flame is the light that will be spread throughout the planet as a symbol of peace and brotherhood among peoples, placing it near the nativity scenes of families and churches. This tradition began in 1986 as part of the Christmas charity initiative “Licht ins Dunkel” – Light in the darkness – organized by the Austrian radio and television broadcaster ORF in Linz and aimed to the collection of spontaneous offers in support of disabled children, socially marginalized, but also of needy foreigners.

The stamps that make up both the joint leaflet and the Vatican series and booklet portray the Infant Jesus in the foreground over the star of Bethlehem and the Christkindl Shrine of Steyer, Austria, in the value of €1.15 in the background, and in the value of €1,10 the Holy Father holding the lantern of Light from Bethlehem and St. Peter’s Basilica in the background.

DATA SHEET

Artist: Kirsten Lubach
Printing house: Royal John Enschedé Stamps BV (Holland)

Series
Fael values: € 1.10 – € 1.15
Stamp format: 30 x 40 mm
Sheet of: 10 copies – Sheet size: 180 x 100 mm
Printing: offset 5 colors (CMYK + gold)
Price of the series: € 2.25
Circulation: 130,000 complete series

Leaflet
Facial values: € 1.10 – € 1.15
Format: 34.5 x 50 mm
Sheet size: 110 x 95 mm
Printing: offset 6 colors (CMYK + gold + silver)
Price of the leaflet: Euro 2.25
Circulation: 55,000 sheets

Booklet
Number of values: 4
Face values € 1.10 – € 1.15 – Stamp format: 30 x 40 mm
Booklet size: 100 x 200 mm (open)
Printing: offset 6 colors (CMYK + gold + silver)
Booklet price: € 4.50
Circulation: 26,000 booklets

Ludwig von Beethoven (Vatican 2020)

[press release, via Google Translate]

Ludwig van Beethoven, a brilliant German composer and pianist, was born in Bonn on 16 December 1770. The Vatican wants to commemorate the German artist on the 250th anniversary of his birth with a philatelic issue consisting of a mini-sheet of 4 values, the work of Chiara Principe. In the stamp, the foreground of the musician, freely inspired by the bronze statue made by the German sculptor Caspar von Zumbusch and located in Beethovenplatz, Vienna, stands out against the background of a starry sky illuminated by the full moon, a clear reference to the famous luna ”to which the staves in the background belong.”

The handwritten signature of the famous composer completes the drawing. The music CD created for the occasion offers some of the most famous Beethovenian compositions, considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Western symphonic music.

DATA SHEET
Face value: € 1.15
Format: 40 x 30 mm
Mini sheet of: 4 stamps – Dimension: 135 x 105 mm
Artist: Chiara Principe
Printing: Cartor (France) – Printing: offset 4 colors
Price of the mini sheet: Euro € 4.60
Circulation: 125,000 complete series
Compact disc
Price of the CD (philatelic series included): Euro 9.90

Hanukkah (Canada 2020)

[press release]
Happy Hanukkah from Canada Post
Brilliant new stamp celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights

TORONTO – On November 5, Canada Post issued a new commemorative stamp to mark Hanukkah – the Jewish Festival of Lights. The eight-day celebration begins at nightfall on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, this year December 10. The stamp is available in advance, so Canadians can use it to send holiday greetings.

About Hanukkah
Derived from the Hebrew word for dedication, Hanukkah celebrates the miracle that took place following the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem – Judaism’s holiest site – after the Jewish people reclaimed it from their oppressors around 165 BCE. The victors found only one day’s worth of oil for the Temple menorah, which was required to remain lit at all times. Yet the sacred light burned for eight days, until the new oil supply arrived.

To mark this extraordinary occurrence, Jewish families in Canada and around the world kindle an eight-branched candelabra called a hanukkiyah, or menorah, often placing it in a window.

About the stamp
Designed by Entro Communications, the stamp features a stylized menorah against a bright yellow background. Printed by Colour Innovations, the Permanent™ domestic rate stamp is available in a booklet of 10 stamps and affixed to an Official First Day Cover.

[en Francais]
Postes Canada vous souhaite joyeuse Hanoukka
Un timbre lumineux en l’honneur de Hanoukka, fête des Lumières

TORONTO – Aujourd’hui, Postes Canada a émis un nouveau timbre commémoratif soulignant Hanoukka, la fête juive des Lumières. Le festival de huit jours commence au coucher du soleil le 25e jour de Kislev du calendrier hébraïque, soit le 10 décembre cette année. Le timbre est mis en vente à l’avance alors les Canadiens peuvent l’utiliser pour envoyer leurs cartes de vœux des Fêtes.

À propos de Hanoukka
Hanoukka (du mot hébreu signifiant dédicace) commémore le miracle qui suit la réinauguration du Temple de Jérusalem, lieu le plus sacré du judaïsme, après que le peuple juif le reprend des mains de son oppresseur, environ 165 ans avant l’ère commune. La menorah du Temple doit brûler sans arrêt, mais les vainqueurs ne trouvent de l’huile que pour une journée. Pourtant, la lumière sacrée continue à briller pendant huit jours, jusqu’à l’arrivée de nouvelles réserves d’huile.

Pour souligner cet événement extraordinaire, les familles juives au Canada et partout dans le monde allument un chandelier à huit branches, appelé une hanoukkia ou menorah, qu’ils placent souvent devant une fenêtre.

À propos du timbre
Conçu par Entro Communications, le timbre illustre une menorah stylisée sur un arrière-plan jaune vif. Imprimé par Colour Innovations, le timbre PermanentMC au tarif du régime intérieur est offert en carnet de 10 et sur un pli Premier Jour officiel.

Christmas 2020 — Maud Lewis & Nativity (Canada 2020)

[press release]
Canada Post kicks off the holiday season with release of 2020 stamps
This season’s stamps feature the work of Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis

OTTAWA – An annual holiday tradition since 1964, Canada Post has released new stamp issues to help Canadians make their cards and letters more festive. Once again this year, Canadians can make their mail merrier with their choice of stamps bearing either sacred or secular holiday imagery.

This year’s Christmas issue is inspired by traditional paintings of the Nativity. Along with the central figures of Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus, the stamp also includes an ox and a donkey – two additions made popular by St. Francis of Assisi. The Permanent™ domestic rate stamp, designed by Soapbox Design and illustrated by Sandra Dionisi, is available in a booklet of 12. An Official First Day Cover is cancelled in Sainte-Famille, Quebec.

This year’s secular holiday stamps, designed by Hélène L’Heureux, feature three festive scenes by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis. Lewis’ earliest works were Christmas cards painted under the guidance of her mother and sold door to door to her neighbours in rural Nova Scotia. This issue features seasonal works from the collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax: Winter Sleigh Ride (12-stamp booklet at the Permanent™ domestic rate), Team of Oxen in Winter (six-stamp booklet at the U.S. rate) and Family and Sled (six-stamp booklet at the international rate). A souvenir sheet, depicting Lewis’ whimsical cats, and a souvenir sheet Official First Day Cover, cancelled in Digby, Nova Scotia, round out the issue.

[en Francais]
À l’approche de Noël, Postes Canada lance ses timbres des Fêtes de 2020
Les timbres de cette année comprennent des œuvres de l’artiste folklorique néo écossaise Maud Lewis

OTTAWA – Fidèle à sa tradition annuelle des Fêtes depuis 1964, Postes Canada a émis de nouveaux jeux de timbres qui égayeront les cartes et les lettres des Canadiens. Cette année encore, ces derniers pourront mettre un peu de joie sur leur courrier des Fêtes avec des timbres consacrés à un thème religieux ou profane.

Le timbre de Noël de cette année est inspiré des scènes traditionnelles de la Nativité. En plus des personnages centraux Marie, Joseph et l’Enfant Jésus, le timbre illustre aussi un bœuf et un âne, deux ajouts popularisés par saint François d’Assise. Le timbre PermanentMC au tarif du régime intérieur a été conçu par Soapbox Design et illustré par Sandra Dionisi et est offert en carnet de 12. L’oblitération du pli Premier Jour officiel porte la mention « Sainte-Famille, Québec ».

Les timbres des Fêtes de cette année consacrés à un thème profane, conçus par Hélène L’Heureux, sont ornés de trois scènes joyeuses de l’artiste folklorique canadienne Maud Lewis. Les premières œuvres de l’artiste sont des cartes de Noël qu’elle peint en suivant les conseils de sa mère et qu’elle vend à des voisins en faisant du porte-à-porte en Nouvelle-Écosse. Cette émission est composée de trois œuvres qui font partie de la collection du Musée des beaux-arts de la Nouvelle-Écosse à Halifax : Winter Sleigh Ride (carnet de 12 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur), Team of Oxen in Winter (carnet de 6 timbres au tarif des envois à destination des États-Unis) et Family and Sled (carnet de 6 timbres au tarif du régime international). Le bloc-feuillet, présentant une illustration fantaisiste de chats créée par Maud Lewis, et le pli Premier Jour officiel du bloc-feuillet, oblitéré à Digby, en Nouvelle-Écosse, complètent l’émission. Maud Lewis Details:Nativity Details:

Stained Glass Wiindows (Christmas) (UK 2020)

[press release]
Royal Mail Reveals Special Stamps for Christmas 2020

  • Royal Mail celebrates Christmas 2020 with a series of six stained-glass Nativity scenes
  • The stamps showcase the extraordinary detail and craftmanship of this highly specialised decorative art, covering a range of eras, styles and technique
  • Stained glass windows from the following churches are included in the set:
    • St Andrew’s Church, East Lexham, Norfolk
    • St Andrew’s Church, Coln Rogers, Gloucestershire
    • Church of St James, Hollowell, Northamptonshire
    • All Saints’ Parish Church, Otley, West Yorkshire
    • St Columba’s Church, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire
    • Christ Church, Coalville, Leicestershire
  • The Nativity is a common subject in stained glass artistry and from the 13th Century onwards, scenes often focused on the relationship between the new-born infant Jesus and his mother, the Virgin Mary
  • The techniques of making stained glass have hardly changed since the Middle Ages
  • Help Royal Mail’s postmen and women deliver this year’s festive mail by posting early this Christmas and using the postcode
  • The stamps are on sale from today (3 November). They will be available at www.royalmail.com/christmas2020, by phone on 03457 641 641 and 7,000 Post Offices across the UK. In addition, around 1,000 retailers will stock Christmas stamp booklets this year

Royal Mail has revealed its Christmas 2020 stamps featuring a series of six stained-glass Nativity scenes.

The stained-glass Nativity scenes showcase the extraordinary detail and craftmanship of this highly specialised decorative art, covering a range of eras, styles and technique.

Stained glass windows from the following churches are included in the set:

  • St Andrew’s Church, East Lexham, Norfolk
  • St Andrew’s Church, Coln Rogers, Gloucestershire
  • Church of St James, Hollowell, Northamptonshire
  • All Saints’ Parish Church, Otley, West Yorkshire
  • St Columba’s Church, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire
  • Christ Church, Coalville, Leicestershire

Traditionally, stained glass windows are assembled from pieces of coloured glass, held together with lead. The techniques of making stained glass have hardly changed since the Middle Ages.

The Nativity is a common subject in stained glass artistry and from the 13th century onwards, scenes often focused on the relationship between the new-born infant Jesus and his mother, the Virgin Mary.

Philip Parker, Royal Mail said: “Our beautiful Christmas stamps feature the Nativity as told through the artistry of different styles of stained-glass windows.”

The origins of stained glass:
Stained glass originated in late antiquity. The Romans were the first to use coloured glass in windows, often set into plaster, stucco or metal frames. The oldest known examples of coloured window glass in England were excavated from the site of the former Anglo-Saxon monastery at Monkwearmouth Jarrow, Northumbria, which was founded in the 7th century.

By the 10th century, stained glass windows were being constructed with lead, which was more malleable and enabled greater versatility of design. Stained glass was a popular and expensive art form in the Middle Ages, used to decorate churches and other prestigious buildings. The translucent qualities of coloured glass meant that these windows projected coloured light into buildings, while illuminating colourful pictures.

Panels of late 12th century stained glass survive at both Canterbury Cathedral and York Minster, but most surviving stained glass in the UK dates from the 13th century onwards. Following the Reformation in the 16th century, fewer religious stained glass windows were commissioned and, with a handful of exceptions, it was not until the 19th century that stained glass once again became a popular art form. Medieval windows provided inspiration for 19th century artists, who revived medieval techniques. Today, exquisite examples can be seen in the windows of our churches, town halls and other public and private buildings across the UK.

The stamps are on sale now and will be available at www.royalmail.com/christmas2020, by phone on 03457 641 641 and in 7,000 Post Offices across the UK. In addition, around 1,000 retailers will stock Christmas stamp books this year.

2nd Class stamp
Adoration of the Magi
Location: East window of St Andrew’s Church, East Lexham, Norfolk. This is an Anglican church, dedicated to Saint Andrew and is one of 124 existing round-tower churches in Norfolk. It is thought to date from circa 900AD and said to be one of the oldest in England.

The Window: Mid-19th century stained glass, believed to have been made by Clayton & Bell in c.1859 – the designs adopted the gothic style of the 15th century in keeping with the perpendicular east window. The east window depicts scenes relating to Christ’s birth and death. The upper tier shows Christ carrying the Cross, The Crucifixion and Christ being taken down from the cross. The lower tier shows events related to Christ’s birth – the annunciation, Adoration of the Magi, and the presentation of Christ in the temple.

1st Class stamp
Virgin and Child
Location: St Andrew’s Church, Coln Rogers, Gloucestershire. This is an Anglican parish church and is dedicated to Saint Andrew. It is often described as being rather unique, as it has a Saxon nave and chancel which have survived almost intact. It dates to the mid-11th century.

The Window: The three main lights of the east window of the church, dated c.1865 and made by the studio of Heaton, Butler and Bayne, focus on nativity scenes (including the Shepherds, Mary and Joseph with the Christ child and the three Magi). In the central light (from which this is a detail) Mary cradles the new-born Christ child.

£1.45 stamp
Virgin and Child
Location: Church of St James, Hollowell, Northamptonshire. The Church of St James was built in 1841 in the gothic style, and is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows in the eastern apse of the chancel, and the rose window above the west door.

The Window: Chancel apse, south east window designed by Henry Holiday (1839-27) and made by J Powell & Sons, 1863. This is one of three lancet windows in the apse of the chancel. Each lancet window features a single narrative panel contained within a quatrefoil set against a background of decorative painted foliate grisaille (in the manner of the 13th century, decorated style). The north-eastern window depicts the Baptism of Christ, the central the Crucifixion, and the south-eastern (as pictured) shows the Virgin Mary and Christ child within the stable. The brightly coloured pieces of flashed ruby glass, and turquoise, blue, pink and purple tones demonstrates the wide variety and high-quality of the glass made at Powell’s glassworks.

£1.70 stamp
Virgin and Child
Location: All Saints Church, Otley, West Yorkshire. The first church building on the site was Anglo Saxon but only the foundations from this early church remain. A Norman church was built over them in the 11th century and this forms the present-day chancel. It was enlarged in about 1240. Further additions and modifications took place during later centuries, Including the installation of a number of stained-glass windows by various makers in the Victorian period.

Window: This window is from a two-tier three light window in the South Transept of the church. The lower tier main lights show the Nativity with the Crucifixion in the upper tier above. It was manufactured by Clayton & Bell and installed in 1862. This image is the central scene of the Nativity. In the centre Mary is seated and holds the infant Jesus on her knee.

£2.50 stamp
Detail of the Holy Family
Location: St Columba’s Church, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire. St Columba’s is the parish church of Topcliffe, near Thirskand the present building dates from the 13th century and was largely rebuilt by railway architect George T Andrews in 1885.

The Window: This well-known window is one of two windows located on the south side of the chancel of the church. The window is divided into three lights, showing three scenes in the life of Mary which also relate to the birth of Christ. On the left is the Annunciation, in the centre panel are Mary and her cousin and the panel on the right shows the Holy Family – Joseph, Mary and Jesus. This detail is from the scene of the Holy Family. It was designed by Michael Halliday and manufactured by Lavers & Barraud c.1860.

£2.55 stamp
Virgin and Child
Location: Christ Church, Coalville, Leicestershire. The church was built between 1836 and 1838, with a west tower, large nave, transepts, chancel and vestry added later in 1936.

The Window: Whilst most of the glass is Victorian there are also three modern windows, which include the North chancel lancet window of the Nativity. The scene focuses on the virgin and child, with the ox and donkey watching over them (c. 1976). Harry Harvey (1922-2011) worked during the latter part of the twentieth-century producing stained-glass in a distinctive modern style. He died in 2011.

Community Foundation (Canada 2020)

[press release]
Canada Post Community Foundation to issue $1.3 million in grants to better the lives of children in 2020
Grassroots organizations across the country will receive support to assist in community-based initiatives for children

OTTAWA – The Canada Post Community Foundation today announced that approximately $1.3 million was raised for grants to groups that help children in communities across Canada.

The Canada Post Community Foundation raises money through the sale of a special stamp issued annually. The stamp that will raise funds for distribution in 2021 goes on sale today.

In addition to the annual stamp issue, the Foundation raises funds through a five-week in-store campaign to solicit point-of-sale donations from customers and a year-round employee payroll donation program. In previous years, retail locations across Canada held local fundraising events. However, in lieu of events during COVID-19, customers and the public are encouraged to donate online at www.canadapost.ca/community to protect the safety of employees and our customers. All funds go to organizations that operate in the province or territory in which they were raised.

Over the past nine years, the Foundation has granted nearly $9 million to hundreds of initiatives across Canada. They include literacy and language programs, youth outreach services, gender and sexual diversity programs, arts and recreation projects, special education programs, childhood health programs, anti-bullying initiatives, mentoring programs and many others. The 2020 grant recipients will be announced in October.

About the Foundation
Established in 2012, the Canada Post Community Foundation for Children provides grants to Canadian schools, charities and organizations in an effort to make a difference in the lives of children in our communities.

About the stamp issue
The 2020 Canada Post Community Foundation stamp issue by Vancouver’s Subplot Inc., features an illustration by Isabelle Arsenault that depicts a diverse community of animals living peacefully in a bountiful tree. It reminds us that, despite our differences, we have the power to come together, live in harmony and enrich each other’s lives.

The stamp, in a booklet of 10, and Official First Day Cover, cancelled in Ottawa. Ont. are available at canadapost.ca/shop. [en Français]
La Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada versera 1,3 million de dollars en subventions pour améliorer la vie des enfants en 2020
Des organismes communautaires partout au pays recevront du soutien pour leurs initiatives destinées aux enfants

OTTAWA – La Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada a annoncé aujourd’hui qu’environ 1,3 million de dollars ont été recueillis pour verser des subventions à des groupes qui viennent en aide aux enfants du pays.

La Fondation amasse des fonds en vendant un timbre spécial qui est émis chaque année. Le timbre permettant de recueillir les sommes qui seront distribuées en 2021 est mis en vente aujourd’hui.

En plus de son timbre, la Fondation collecte des fonds au moyen d’une campagne de dons en magasin de cinq semaines et d’un programme de retenues à la source auquel les employés peuvent participer tout au long de l’année. Dans le passé, des points de vente au détail partout au Canada ont organisé des activités de financement locales. Cette année, pour protéger nos employés et nos clients de la COVID-19, nous invitons les clients et le public à faire un don en ligne sur le site www.postescanada.ca/communautaire. Tous les fonds sont versés à des organismes dans la province ou le territoire où ils sont recueillis.

Au cours des neuf dernières années, la Fondation a accordé près de 9 millions de dollars à des centaines d’initiatives partout au Canada. Elle a appuyé entre autres des programmes d’alphabétisation et de langue, de mentorat, d’éducation spéciale et de santé visant les enfants, des services d’aide pour les jeunes, des programmes sur la diversité de genre et sexuelle, des projets artistiques et récréatifs et des initiatives contre l’intimidation. Les organismes bénéficiaires pour l’année 2020 seront dévoilés en octobre.

À propos de la Fondation
Créée en 2012, la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada pour les enfants verse des subventions à des écoles, des œuvres de bienfaisance et des organismes du Canada dans le but d’améliorer le sort des enfants du pays.

À propos de l’émission de timbre
Le timbre de 2020 de la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada, conçu par la maison Subplot Design Inc. de Vancouver, présente une illustration d’Isabelle Arsenault qui dépeint une communauté diverse d’animaux vivant paisiblement dans un arbre bien touffu. Cette belle image nous rappelle que, malgré nos différences, nous avons le pouvoir de nous unir et de vivre en harmonie dans un enrichissement mutuel.

Le timbre, offert dans un carnet de 10, et le pli Premier Jour officiel, oblitéré à Ottawa (Ontario), sont vendus sur le sitepostescanada.ca/achat.

Miffy Turns 65 (Netherlands 2020)

Catching up; not posted until October 26

[press release; translated by Google]
Miffy celebrates the children’s stamps The Hague, 23 September 2020. Miffy is celebrating on the new children’s stamps because she turned 65. Due to this special birthday, PostNL is also issuing all kinds of other stamps with images of Miffy this year.

From today until September 30, more than 140,000 students from groups 7 and 8 will be selling the children’s stamps this year. Of course, the children are on the road safely, with the challenges surrounding corona, safety is of course paramount. With the applicable corona measures, various ways have therefore been developed to go through the doors both physically and digitally. With a special sales box and order forms through the letterbox, it is also possible to keep the necessary distance at the door. For example, children can send personal video messages to offer children’s stamps (for more information about this, click here).

Chance of a better life
Stichting Kinderpostzegels [“Stamps Foundation”] and PostNL have been issuing children’s stamps since 1924 to raise money for projects aimed at the well-being of vulnerable children. This is done through a supplement of € 0.45 per stamp. The proceeds from all allowances go to the projects of the independent Children’s Stamps Foundation Netherlands. The foundation is committed to offering vulnerable children a better future.

Leading role Miffy 65 years
This year’s children’s stamps feature Miffy and her family and friends. Over the past 65 years, Miffy has become the world’s most famous and most popular of all characters from the books of Dick Bruna (1927-2017). Many children identify with Miffy and her adventures. She is uncomplicated, innocent, positive and open to new experiences.

Icon of the Netherlands
Pascal de Smit, director Stichting Kinderpostzegels Nederland, is delighted that this year the birthday girl Miffy is on the children’s stamps. “Miffy is truly an icon of the Netherlands, so we are very proud of that. Just as proud as of the Children’s Postage Stamp campaign, which has now become intangible cultural heritage. ”

Safe at home
This year’s campaign is aimed at giving children a safe home. At the moment 1 in 15 children in the Netherlands lives in an unsafe situation. Due to the long closure of schools in the spring this year due to the corona crisis, the situation in these families has worsened. Especially for this group, help is desperately needed.

Series Miffy 65 years even more stamps
In addition to children’s stamps, more stamps dedicated to Miffy 65 years will be released this year. For example, a gold Miffy stamp appeared on 21 June [press release here] and a silver stamp on 8 September.

Availability
The children’s stamps will be sold in the week of 23-30 September 2020 by students from groups 7 and 8. The children’s stamps are also available from 5 October, while supplies last, from Bruna, via our website and on the website of the Children’s Postage Stamps Foundation Netherlands.

All other Miffy stamps are also available through the website [direct link]. Or order by phone from Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 868 99 00.

Illustrations Dick Bruna © copyright Mercis bv, 1953-2020

Number Stamps With New Look [Netherlands 2020]

I have to admit I don’t fully understand what this issue is. Can anyone shed some light?

[press release] [translated by Google]
Number stamps 1876 with a new look in 2020
The Hague, October 16, 2020. PostNL is issuing a stamp for the Day of the Stamp. The Day of the Stamp would be part of the POSTEX 2020, but unfortunately this fair cannot take place due to the corona crisis.

The Day of the Stamp is a regular part of the annual POSTEX in Omnisport in Apeldoorn. POSTEX is an international stamp event with exchange fairs, exhibitions and other special gatherings. Although POSTEX 2020 is canceled due to the corona crisis, PostNL is still issuing the Day of the Stamp 2020 stamp sheet October 16th.

½, 1, 1½, 2 and 2½ cents
The Postage Stamps Number Type 1876, also known as the Number Stamps 1876, were given low postage values to encourage the sending of newspapers and other printed matter by post. Based on a design with a large value figure, Joh. Enschedé & Zonen from Haarlem 144 years ago a uniform series with denominations of ½, 1, 1½, 2 and 2½ cents.

Rotating figures
Sandra Smulders from Gouda has redesigned and rearranged the graphic elements from the Number Stamps 1876 for the design of the Stamp Day 2020. For example, the value number 1 from one design has been rotated 180 degrees with respect to the value number 1 from the other design. Other elements from the numerical stamps are shown in a similar way, both in position and use of color.

Contemporary but respectful
Sander Smulders brought the design to 2020 in all kinds of ways, with respect for the original postage stamps from 1876. For example, the circle in the middle was given a shadow border, creating depth and color difference in the background. Gradients, multiple layers, depth, shadows and a lot of detailing were also used to bring the design up to date. That was also possible, says Smulders, “because the current techniques are many times better than they were then. In this way it has become a contemporary stamp sheetlet, while you can still clearly see what it is based on. ”

Postal Values Handbook
PostNL also publishes a stamp folder and a prestige booklet about the Day of the Stamp 2020 and the Number Stamps 1876. The prestige booklet is the 12th in the series about the history of the stamp in the Netherlands. All information in these 12 booklets is taken from the Handboek Postwaarden Nederland. Availability
The Dag van de Postzegel 2020 stamp sheet has 10 stamps in 2 different designs with the value indication Nederland 1, intended for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands. The stamps are available from October 16 at the post office in the Bruna stores and via the PostNL website. The stamps can also be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 – 868 99 00. The validity period is indefinite.

[You can purchase these stamps from the PostNL website here.]