Lesotho Postal Services Philately is a service that caters to the needs of stamp collectors and enthusiasts. It is a division of Lesotho Postal Services, the official postal service provider of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The service offers a wide range of philatelic products, including stamps, first day covers, and other collectibles, to both local and international customers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Lesotho Postal Services Philately, its most important and well-known stamps, and its unique designs.
History of Lesotho Postal Services Philately
The history of Lesotho Postal Services Philately can be traced back to the late 19th century when the first stamps of Lesotho were issued. At that time, Lesotho was known as Basutoland and was under the British protectorate. The first stamps of Basutoland were issued in 1879 and featured the portrait of Queen Victoria. Over the years, the stamps of Basutoland went through various changes in design and denomination.
In 1966, Basutoland gained independence from British rule and became the Kingdom of Lesotho. With this change, the stamps of Lesotho also underwent a transformation. The first stamps of independent Lesotho were issued in 1966 and featured the portrait of King Moshoeshoe II. Since then, Lesotho Postal Services Philately has been issuing stamps on various themes and topics, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the country.
Notable Stamps of Lesotho Postal Services Philately
Lesotho Postal Services Philately has issued numerous stamps over the years, but some of them stand out for their unique designs and historical significance. One of the most famous stamps of Lesotho is the 1966 1st Anniversary of Independence stamp, which features the portrait of King Moshoeshoe II and the national flag of Lesotho. This stamp holds great importance for the people of Lesotho as it commemorates the country’s first year of independence.
Another notable stamp is the 1979 10th Anniversary of Independence stamp, which depicts the traditional Basotho hat, known as mokorotlo, and the national emblem of Lesotho. This stamp symbolizes the country’s cultural identity and its journey towards progress and development.
In recent years, Lesotho Postal Services Philately has also issued stamps on various international events and themes. One such stamp is the 2016 Rio Olympics stamp, which features the Lesotho Olympic team and their achievements. This stamp not only celebrates the country’s participation in the Olympics but also promotes sports and athleticism in Lesotho.
Unique Designs of Lesotho Postal Services Philately
Apart from its notable stamps, Lesotho Postal Services Philately is also known for its unique and eye-catching designs. The service often collaborates with local artists and designers to create stamps that showcase the country’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty. For example, the 2018 Traditional Basotho Blankets stamp series features intricate designs of traditional Basotho blankets, which are an important part of Lesotho’s cultural heritage.
Moreover, Lesotho Postal Services Philately also issues stamps on environmental conservation and wildlife protection. The 2019 Endangered Species stamp series features the country’s endangered animals, such as the black rhino and the Cape vulture, to raise awareness about their conservation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lesotho Postal Services Philately is a service that not only caters to the needs of stamp collectors but also promotes the rich culture and heritage of Lesotho. With its diverse range of stamps and unique designs, it has become a popular choice among collectors worldwide.
To learn more about Lesotho Postal Services Philately and its products, visit their official website at https://www.lesothopost.org.ls/philately/.