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General Description of the Montserrat Philatelic Service
The Montserrat Philatelic Bureau is the official postal service of the Caribbean island of Montserrat. It is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps, as well as other philatelic products, such as first day covers, postcards, and stamp albums. The bureau is operated by the Montserrat Postal Service, which is a division of the Ministry of Communications and Works.
History of the Montserrat Philatelic Service
The first postage stamps of Montserrat were issued in 1876, during the colonial period when the island was under British rule. These stamps featured the profile of Queen Victoria and were used until 1903, when stamps with the profile of King Edward VII were introduced. Throughout the years, Montserrat has issued stamps with various themes, including local flora and fauna, historical events, and famous personalities.
One of the most significant moments in the history of the Montserrat Philatelic Service was the release of a stamp series in 1989 to commemorate the island’s 500th anniversary of its discovery by Christopher Columbus. This series featured a map of the island and a portrait of Columbus, and it was highly sought after by collectors around the world.
Notable Stamps and Designs from Montserrat Philatelic Service
Over the years, the Montserrat Philatelic Bureau has released many notable stamps and designs that have gained recognition and popularity among collectors. One of the most famous stamps is the 1970 «Montserrat Carib Canoe» stamp, which won the Grand Prix award at the International Philatelic Exhibition in London. This stamp features a traditional canoe used by the indigenous Carib people of Montserrat.
Another notable stamp is the 1998 «Montserrat Volcano» stamp, which depicts the eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano that devastated the island in the 1990s. This stamp was issued to raise funds for the victims of the disaster and has become a symbol of resilience for the people of Montserrat.
In recent years, the Montserrat Philatelic Bureau has also released stamps featuring the island’s national bird, the Montserrat Oriole, and stamps commemorating the 50th anniversary of the island’s flag and coat of arms.
The bureau is also known for its unique and creative stamp designs, such as the 2017 «Montserrat Underwater World» stamp series, which features colorful illustrations of marine life found in the waters surrounding the island.
The Montserrat Philatelic Bureau has a rich history and has played a significant role in promoting the culture and heritage of the island through its stamps. Its stamps are not only sought after by collectors but also serve as a way to showcase the beauty and diversity of Montserrat to the world. With its commitment to producing high-quality stamps and other philatelic products, the bureau continues to be a valuable asset to the island’s postal service.
To learn more about the Montserrat Philatelic Bureau and its products, visit their website at https://www.montserratstampbureau.com/.
