Papua New Guinea 2003 100th Anniversary of the Powered Flight MNH

Papua New Guinea 2003 100th Anniversary of the Powered Flight MNH**

In 2003, Papua New Guinea issued a set of stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight by the Wright brothers. The set consists of four stamps featuring various aircraft and aviation-related themes. Here are the details:

The stamps in the set are:

• 85 Toea – Depicts the Wright Flyer, the first successful heavier-than-air powered aircraft flown by the Wright brothers in 1903.
• 3.35 Kina – Features a Douglas DC-3, a propeller-driven airliner that revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s.
• 4.20 Kina – Shows a modern jet airliner, likely a Boeing 747, representing the advancements in aviation technology.
• 11.00 Kina – Portrays a view of the Earth from space, with an orbiting space shuttle or satellite, symbolizing the ultimate achievement of human flight.

The stamps were designed by Denise Durkin and printed using lithography by SP Walsall Security Printers Ltd., a UK-based company specializing in postage stamp production. They are perforated and have a colorful, detailed appearance that combines photographic images with graphic design elements.

Each stamp bears the inscription “Papua New Guinea” and the denomination value. The theme of the centenary of powered flight is evident through the images of iconic aircraft and the overall focus on the history and development of aviation.

Papua New Guinea, like many countries around the world, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ historic achievement with this stamp set. It not only pays tribute to the pioneers of aviation but also showcases the progress made in air travel and space exploration over the past century.

For collectors, this set represents an interesting intersection of aviation history and Papua New Guinean philately. It appeals to those who specialize in aviation-themed stamps, as well as collectors of Papua New Guinean issues or stamps related to historical anniversaries.

The set was issued in mint never hinged (MNH) condition, meaning that the stamps are in their original, unused state with full gum and no traces of hinging or other disturbances. MNH examples are the most sought-after by collectors, as they represent the stamps in their pristine, as-issued condition.