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The Philatelic Service of Gabon, also known as La Poste Gabonaise Philatélie, is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps in the country. It is a division of the Gabonese postal service, La Poste Gabonaise, and is dedicated to promoting the hobby of stamp collecting and preserving the country’s cultural heritage through its stamp designs.
History of La Poste Gabonaise Philatelic Service:
The history of the Philatelic Service in Gabon dates back to the early 20th century when the country was still a French colony. The first stamps issued in Gabon were overprinted stamps from the French Congo in 1904. In 1910, Gabon began issuing its own stamps featuring the image of King Albert I of Belgium, who was the colonial ruler at the time.
After gaining independence in 1960, Gabon continued to issue stamps with various themes such as wildlife, culture, and historical events. In 1976, the Philatelic Service was officially established to oversee the production and distribution of stamps in the country. Since then, it has released numerous stamp series and special editions, showcasing the rich and diverse culture of Gabon.
Notable Stamps and Designs from La Poste Gabonaise:
One of the most famous stamps issued by the Gabonese Philatelic Service is the 1968 «Gorilla» stamp. This stamp features a close-up image of a gorilla, one of the country’s most iconic animals. It is highly sought after by stamp collectors around the world and has won several awards for its design.
Another notable stamp is the 1982 «Elephant» stamp, which was part of a series featuring endangered species. The stamp depicts a majestic elephant in its natural habitat, bringing attention to the importance of wildlife conservation.
In recent years, the Philatelic Service has also released stamps featuring Gabonese cultural traditions, such as the 2019 «Ngil Mask» stamp. This stamp showcases the traditional mask used in the Ngil ceremony, a ritual performed by the Fang people of Gabon.
The designs of Gabonese stamps are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details, making them highly collectible and visually appealing.
Link to Philatelic Service Website:
To learn more about the Philatelic Service of Gabon and its stamp collections, visit their official website at https://www.laposte.ga/philatelie/. The website features a catalog of all the stamps issued by Gabon, as well as information on upcoming releases and special editions. Stamp collectors can also purchase stamps and other philatelic products directly from the website.
