Italy year 1974 – 1976 Architecture / Famous Fountains – FDC complete set
In the mid-1970s, Italy released a significant multi-year thematic series focused on its historic architecture, specifically its famous fountains. These stamps were issued in several “emissions” and are frequently collected as a complete First Day Cover (FDC) set.
The 1974–1976 issues are particularly sought after for their detailed line-engraved designs and represent the height of the “Tourism” and “Fountains of Italy” series.
Fountains of Italy Series (1974–1976)
The series was released in groups. Each stamp typically features a monochrome or two-tone engraving of a landmark fountain.
| Year | Fountain Name | City | Value |
| 1974 | Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune) | Bologna | 40 L |
| 1974 | Fontana dell’Oceano (Ocean) | Florence | 50 L |
| 1974 | Fontana Maggiore | Perugia | 90 L |
| 1975 | Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtles) | Rome | 100 L |
| 1975 | Fontana di Rosello | Sassari | 150 L |
| 1976 | Fontana della Fraternità | Gallipoli | 120 L |
| 1976 | Fontana dei 99 Cannelli | L’Aquila | 170 L |
Philatelic Summary
- First Day Covers (FDC): These are envelopes bearing the stamps, cancelled with a special decorative postmark from the city where the fountain is located, dated on the very first day of sale.
- Artists/Designers: Most of these were designed and engraved by Eros Donnini, one of Italy’s most famous stamp engravers, known for his ability to translate architectural stone into delicate paper lines.
- Catalog Numbers: They are listed in the Sassone (Italian) and Michel catalogs under the “Turistica” or “Fontane” sections.
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