In 1956, a notable philatelic event occurred with the issuance of the first EUROPA stamps by several European countries. These stamps were part of a coordinated effort to promote European unity and cooperation, which was a significant theme during the post-World War II period. The participating countries were Germany (both East and West), Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and others. Here’s a detailed look at the 1956 EUROPA stamps from Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Italy:
Historical Context
- Post-War Europe: After World War II, there was a strong movement towards European integration to ensure peace, stability, and economic cooperation. The establishment of organizations like the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and later the European Economic Community (EEC) were steps toward this goal.
- EUROPA Stamps: The EUROPA stamp program began in 1956, initiated by the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT). The aim was to issue stamps with common designs or themes to symbolize unity and cooperation among European nations.
The 1956 EUROPA Stamps
1. Germany
West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany)
- Design: The stamp featured a stylized posthorn, which was a traditional symbol of postal services, with the word “EUROPA” and the year “1956.”
- Denomination: The stamp was issued with a denomination of 30 pfennigs.
- Color: The stamp was printed in green.
East Germany (German Democratic Republic)
- Design: Similar to West Germany, East Germany also issued a stamp featuring the posthorn design.
- Denomination: The East German stamp had a denomination of 20 pfennigs.
- Color: It was printed in red.
2. Belgium
- Design: Belgium’s stamp design for the 1956 EUROPA issue also featured the posthorn, symbolizing communication and unity across Europe.
- Denomination: The stamp had a value of 2.50 Belgian francs.
- Color: It was printed in blue.
3. France
- Design: France issued a EUROPA stamp with the posthorn design as well. The common design theme across the participating countries emphasized the unity and cooperative spirit.
- Denomination: The French stamp was valued at 15 francs.
- Color: It was printed in orange.
4. Netherlands
- Design: The Netherlands participated with a stamp featuring the posthorn design, consistent with the other countries.
- Denomination: The Dutch stamp was issued with a denomination of 12½ cents.
- Color: The stamp was printed in dark green.
5. Italy
- Design: Italy’s EUROPA stamp for 1956 also featured the posthorn, maintaining the theme of postal unity.
- Denomination: The Italian stamp was issued with a value of 25 lire.
- Color: It was printed in purple.
Collecting the 1956 EUROPA Stamps
- Completeness: Collectors often seek to obtain the complete set of 1956 EUROPA stamps from all participating countries to showcase the inaugural issue of this significant philatelic series.
- Condition: As with all collectible stamps, the condition is paramount. Mint condition stamps with original gum are highly valued.
- First Day Covers (FDCs): First Day Covers from 1956 with EUROPA stamps and appropriate cancellations can be particularly valuable.
- Catalog Listings: The 1956 EUROPA stamps are well-documented in philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, which provide detailed information on each issue.
- Historical Significance: These stamps are more than just postal artifacts; they symbolize the early efforts towards European integration and are of great historical interest.
Conclusion
The 1956 EUROPA stamps are a landmark issue in European philately, representing the first coordinated effort to promote European unity through postage stamps. Collectors prize these stamps for their historical significance, common design theme, and the message of cooperation and unity they convey. Each participating country’s stamps, while similar in design, have unique features that make them an essential part of any European philatelic collection.
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