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The Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau is the official postal service of Zimbabwe responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps and other philatelic materials. It was established in 1980 after the country gained independence from British rule. The bureau is responsible for promoting the country’s culture, history, and achievements through its stamp designs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau, its most important stamps, and its unique designs.
History of the Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau
The history of the Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau dates back to the colonial era when the country was known as Rhodesia. The first stamps of Rhodesia were issued in 1892 and featured the portrait of Queen Victoria. After the country gained independence in 1980, the Rhodesian postal service was replaced by the Zimbabwe Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, which included the Philatelic Bureau.
The first stamps issued by the Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau were released on April 18, 1980, to commemorate the country’s independence. These stamps featured the national flag and the country’s coat of arms. Since then, the bureau has released numerous stamps on various themes, including wildlife, culture, history, and sports.
Notable Stamps and Designs from Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau
The Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau has produced many notable stamps over the years, each with its unique design and significance. One of the most famous stamps is the 1985 «Big Five» series, which features the country’s most iconic wildlife – the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. These stamps were designed by renowned wildlife artist, Keith Alexander, and are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Another notable stamp is the 1995 «World Heritage Sites» series, which features the country’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Great Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park, Khami Ruins, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls. The stamps showcase the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage and are a must-have for any stamp collector.
In recent years, the Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau has also released stamps that celebrate the country’s achievements and milestones. For example, the 2018 «Zimbabwe at 38» series commemorates the country’s 38 years of independence and features images of national landmarks and symbols, such as the Great Zimbabwe ruins and the Zimbabwe bird.
Unique Designs of Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau
One of the things that make the Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau stand out is its unique stamp designs. The bureau often collaborates with local artists to create stamps that showcase the country’s culture and traditions. For example, the 2019 «Traditional Dances» series features colorful illustrations of traditional dances performed by different ethnic groups in Zimbabwe.
The bureau also incorporates modern technology into its stamp designs. In 2016, it released its first-ever augmented reality stamps, which featured images of the country’s wildlife that came to life when viewed through a smartphone app. This innovative approach to stamp design has attracted a new generation of stamp collectors and has put the Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau on the map.
The Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau has a rich history and has played a significant role in promoting the country’s culture and heritage through its stamps. Its unique designs and collaborations with local artists make its stamps highly collectible and sought after by philatelists worldwide. With its continuous innovation and dedication to showcasing the best of Zimbabwe, the bureau will undoubtedly continue to produce remarkable stamps for years to come.
To learn more about the Zimbabwe Philatelic Bureau and its stamps, visit their official website at https://www.zimpost.co.zw/philately/.
