Samoa Sisifo stamps year 1978 SG512-515 Captain Cook birth / FDC
That’s a nice set commemorating a significant historical figure in Pacific exploration!
The stamps you are referring to were issued by Samoa Sisifo (Western Samoa) in 1978 to mark the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Captain James Cook (who was born in 1728).
Here are the specific details for the set designated as SG512-515 in the Stanley Gibbons catalog:
⚓ Samoa Sisifo 1978: Captain Cook 250th Anniversary
| Detail | Description |
| Issuing Authority | Samoa Sisifo (Western Samoa) |
| Year of Issue | 1978 |
| Event Commemorated | 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Captain James Cook (1728–1779) |
| Set Size | 4 values (SG 512, 513, 514, 515) |
| Theme/Design | The stamps typically feature portraits of Captain Cook, his ships (such as HMS Endeavour or HMS Resolution), and historical maps or scenes related to his voyages in the Pacific. |
| Denominations | The set likely includes denominations suitable for contemporary postal rates, such as 15 senene (15s), 25 senene (25s), 35 senene (35s), and 40 senene (40s). |
💰 Collectibility and Value
This is a modern commemorative issue that falls into the highly popular “Ships and Boats,” “Explorers,” and “Pacific Islands” topical collecting areas.
- Status: The set is widely available in the philatelic market.
- Condition: Like most stamps from the late 1970s, the highest value is for stamps in Mint Never Hinged (MNH) condition.
- Market Price: The complete set of 4 MNH stamps (SG 512-515) is generally inexpensive. Retail prices from dealers and on online marketplaces typically fall in the range of $3 to $8 USD or the equivalent in Euros (€2 to €7), especially when purchased as part of a lot or from an international seller.
It’s a beautiful set for anyone interested in the history of the South Pacific!
