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The Philatelic Service of Mali, also known as La Poste du Mali Philatélie, is a service dedicated to the collection, study, and trade of postage stamps. It is a popular service among stamp collectors and enthusiasts, as it offers a wide variety of stamps with unique designs and historical significance. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Philatelic Service of Mali, its history, and some of its most important and well-known stamps.
Overview of the Philatelic Service of Mali:
The Philatelic Service of Mali was established in 1960, following the country’s independence from France. It is a part of La Poste du Mali, the national postal service of Mali. The service is responsible for the production, distribution, and sale of postage stamps in the country. It also organizes stamp exhibitions and events to promote the hobby of stamp collecting.
History of the Philatelic Service of Mali:
The first stamps of Mali were issued in 1960, featuring the country’s coat of arms and the image of its first president, Modibo Keïta. These stamps were printed in France and were used until 1963 when Mali started printing its own stamps. Since then, the Philatelic Service of Mali has released numerous stamps, covering a wide range of themes such as history, culture, nature, and sports.
One of the most significant moments in the history of the Philatelic Service of Mali was the release of the first commemorative stamp in 1962. It was issued to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the country’s independence and featured the image of Modibo Keïta. This stamp marked the beginning of a long tradition of issuing commemorative stamps for important events and personalities in Mali.
Notable Stamps and Designs from La Poste du Mali Philatélie:
The Philatelic Service of Mali has released many stamps that have gained recognition and popularity among collectors. One of the most famous stamps is the 1963 «African Unity» stamp, which was issued to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now known as the African Union). It features the flags of 32 African countries, including Mali, and is considered a symbol of African unity.
Another notable stamp is the 1970 «Apollo 13» stamp, which was issued to commemorate the failed Apollo 13 mission. It features the image of the spacecraft and the words «Houston, we’ve had a problem» in reference to the famous phrase spoken by astronaut Jack Swigert during the mission.
In recent years, the Philatelic Service of Mali has also released stamps with unique and eye-catching designs. For example, the 2018 «Butterflies of Mali» stamp series features colorful illustrations of different butterfly species found in the country. The 2019 «Traditional Masks» stamp series showcases the rich cultural heritage of Mali through the depiction of traditional masks used in various ceremonies and rituals.
The Philatelic Service of Mali has a rich history and has played a significant role in promoting the hobby of stamp collecting in the country. Its stamps not only serve as a means of postage but also as a way to showcase the culture, history, and achievements of Mali. With its diverse range of stamps and unique designs, the Philatelic Service of Mali continues to attract stamp collectors from all over the world.
Link to the Philatelic Service of Mali website: https://laposte.ml/boutique/
