por 
The philatelic service of Guernsey is a popular and well-respected service that caters to the needs of stamp collectors and enthusiasts. This service is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps in Guernsey, a small island located in the English Channel. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Guernsey philatelic service, its most important and well-known stamps, and its unique designs.
History of the Guernsey Philatelic Service
The first stamps of Guernsey were issued in 1941 during the German occupation of the island. These stamps were known as the «Guernsey Overprints» and were used to pay for postage within the island. After the liberation of Guernsey in 1945, the island’s postal service was re-established and the first official stamps were issued in 1948. These stamps featured the portrait of King George VI and were used until 1958.
In 1969, Guernsey became a self-governing British Crown dependency and the Guernsey Post Office was established. This marked the beginning of the modern era of the Guernsey philatelic service. Since then, the service has been responsible for the production and distribution of stamps, as well as other philatelic products, such as first day covers, presentation packs, and stamp albums.
Notable Stamps of Guernsey Philatelic Service
One of the most famous and sought-after stamps of Guernsey is the 1969 Europa stamp, which was issued to commemorate the island’s self-governing status. This stamp features the Guernsey coat of arms and has a face value of 3 pence. Another notable stamp is the 1979 Christmas stamp, which depicts the traditional Guernsey Christmas carol, «The Twelve Days of Christmas». This stamp is highly collectible and has a face value of 10 pence.
In recent years, the Guernsey philatelic service has also issued stamps to commemorate significant events and anniversaries. For example, in 2015, a stamp was issued to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Guernsey from German occupation. This stamp features a photograph of the island’s liberation celebrations and has a face value of 62 pence.
Unique Designs of Guernsey Stamps from Guernsey Philatelic Service
One of the most distinctive features of Guernsey stamps is their unique designs. The stamps often feature the island’s natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural traditions. For example, the 2018 stamp series titled «Guernsey’s Floral Heritage» showcases the island’s beautiful flowers, such as the Guernsey lily and the Guernsey cowslip. Another unique stamp series is the «Guernsey Folklore» series, which features traditional folk tales and legends of the island.
In addition to traditional stamps, the Guernsey philatelic service also offers personalized stamps, where customers can create their own stamps with their own photos or designs. This service is popular among tourists and locals alike, as it allows them to create a unique and personalized souvenir.
The Guernsey philatelic service has a rich history and has produced many notable and unique stamps over the years. From the first stamps issued during the German occupation to the modern personalized stamps, this service continues to cater to the needs of stamp collectors and enthusiasts. With its beautiful designs and interesting themes, Guernsey stamps are a must-have for any stamp collection.
Link to Guernsey Philatelic Service: https://www.guernseystamps.com/
