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Poste Vaticane Filatelia is the official postal service of the Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world. The service is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps, as well as other philatelic products, for the Vatican City and its citizens. The service is operated by the Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office, which is under the authority of the Governorate of Vatican City.
History of Poste Vaticane Filatelia
The history of Poste Vaticane Filatelia dates back to the 19th century when the Vatican began issuing its own stamps. In 1852, the first postage stamps were issued by the Papal States, which included the Vatican City at the time. These stamps featured the image of Pope Pius IX and were used for mail within the Papal States.
After the unification of Italy in 1870, the Vatican City became an independent state and continued to issue its own stamps. However, due to political tensions with Italy, the Vatican City did not have a postal agreement with other countries until 1929. This led to the creation of the Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office, which was responsible for the production and distribution of stamps and other philatelic products.
Famous Stamps and Designs from Poste Vaticane Filatelia
Poste Vaticane Filatelia has produced many notable stamps over the years, with designs that reflect the rich history and culture of the Vatican City. One of the most famous stamps is the 1933 Holy Year stamp, which commemorated the 1900th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Peter and St. Paul. This stamp featured the image of Pope Pius XI and the Basilica of St. Peter.
Another notable stamp is the 1963 Europa stamp, which was the first stamp to feature the image of a pope. This stamp was issued to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the birth of Pope John XXII. It featured a portrait of the pope and the Vatican City coat of arms.
In recent years, Poste Vaticane Filatelia has also released stamps with modern designs, such as the 2016 Jubilee of Mercy stamp, which featured a dove and the words «Misericordiae Vultus» (Face of Mercy) in honor of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis.
Other Philatelic Products from Poste Vaticane Filatelia
Apart from postage stamps, Poste Vaticane Filatelia also offers a variety of other philatelic products, including first day covers, postcards, and commemorative sheets. These products often feature special designs and themes, such as religious art, papal visits, and important events in the Vatican City.
The service also offers a subscription service for collectors, where they can receive new stamps and other philatelic products on a regular basis. This is a popular option for those who want to have a complete collection of Vatican stamps.
In conclusion, Poste Vaticane Filatelia is a unique and important service that reflects the rich history and culture of the Vatican City. Its stamps and other philatelic products are not only valuable for collectors, but also serve as a way to promote the Vatican City and its values to the rest of the world.
To learn more about Poste Vaticane Filatelia and its products, visit their official website at https://www.vaticanstate.va/en/services/poste-vaticane-filatelia.html.
