Guernsey 1990 Complete year issue MNH

Guernsey 1990 Complete year issue MNH

Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency in the English Channel, and it issues its own postage stamps, which are popular among collectors for several reasons:

1. Autonomy: Although part of the British Crown, Guernsey has postal independence, issuing stamps since 1969. Before that, it used British stamps.
2. Limited Production: With a small population, print runs are generally lower than those of larger countries, making some issues relatively scarce.
3. Rich History: Stamps often depict Guernsey’s history, from Neolithic times through the Norman era, to German occupation during WWII.
4. Local Themes: Stamps feature local flora, fauna, landmarks, and cultural events. For example, they’ve issued stamps on Guernsey cows, the Guernsey lily, and the island’s famous knitwear.
5. Royal Connections: As a Crown Dependency, some issues feature British royalty or royal events.
6. Literary Connections: Victor Hugo lived in exile on Guernsey and wrote “Les Misérables” there. This connection has been featured on stamps.
7. Artistic Designs: Guernsey often employs notable artists and designers for its stamps, resulting in visually appealing issues.
8. Commemoratives: They issue stamps for global events, anniversaries, and to honor notable individuals.
9. Thematic Interest: Collectors of topics like lighthouses, castles, or WWII history find relevant Guernsey stamps.
10. Postal Validity: Interestingly, while primarily for use within Guernsey, these stamps are also valid for postage to the UK.