Cuba 1975 Cosmonaut’s Day / The future of space MNH stamps
In 1975, Cuba issued one of the most visually stunning and famous space-themed stamp sets in philatelic history. Dedicated to Cosmonaut’s Day (Día del Cosmonauta), this series is often referred to by collectors as the “Future of Space” or “Space Science Fiction” set.
What makes this set legendary is that it was designed based on the artwork of Alexei Leonov (the first person to walk in space) and fellow artist Andrei Sokolov.
The Set Details (1975)
The collection consists of 6 stamps and a souvenir sheet. They are known for their vibrant, retro-futuristic “psychedelic” colors and imaginative depictions of human expansion into the cosmos.
| Value | Subject / Title | Design Highlights |
| 1¢ | Hacia las estrellas (Toward the Stars) | A rocket departing Earth toward a nebula. |
| 2¢ | En la superficie de Venus (On Venus) | Strange, jagged landscapes and futuristic probes. |
| 3¢ | Sobre la Luna (Over the Moon) | A lunar colony with domed structures. |
| 10¢ | Base en Marte (Base on Mars) | Red-hued landscape with a complex Mars base. |
| 13¢ | Mundo de un Sol doble (Double Sun World) | A surreal planet with two suns and alien flora. |
| 30¢ | Satélite de un planeta lejano (Distant Planet) | Exploring the rings of a gas giant. |
Key Features for Collectors
- Artistic Pedigree: Alexei Leonov was not just a cosmonaut but a trained artist. These stamps are considered “Space Art” rather than just technical diagrams. His collaboration with Sokolov created a style that defined Soviet-era space optimism.
- Retrofuturism: The set is highly sought after by non-philatelists who collect “Retrofuturism” because of its bold 1970s aesthetic.
- Printing: They were printed using photogravure, which allowed for the deep, saturated oranges, pinks, and purples that make them pop on a page.
- The Souvenir Sheet: There is a matching Souvenir Sheet (Bloke) featuring a panoramic space scene that often sells for more than the individual stamps combined.
Catalog References
- Scott Catalog: #2000–2005 (Souvenir Sheet #2006)
- Stanley Gibbons: #2196–2201
Why 1975?
The timing was significant because April 12, 1975, marked the 14th Anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight. While many countries issued stamps showing “real” rockets, Cuba (as a key Soviet ally) leaned into the Interkosmos program’s vision of a socialist future where space travel would eventually reach other star systems.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.