ST. Vincent stamp year 1989 Japanese Arts “SPECIMEN” handicraft

ST. Vincent stamp year 1989 Japanese Arts “SPECIMEN” handicraft MNH

In 1989, St. Vincent and the Grenadines released a philatelic series titled “Japanese Art” (also referred to as “Japanese Paintings”) to honor the beginning of the Heisei Era and the memory of Emperor Akihito’s succession.

These stamps are often found with a “SPECIMEN” overprint. In philately, specimen stamps were historically distributed to postal administrations (via the Universal Postal Union) or used as samples for printers and sales agents; they are not intended for actual postage.

Stamp Details

• Country: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Year of Issue: 1989
• Theme: Japanese Arts & Handicrafts (Paintings, traditional crafts, and cultural artifacts)
• Catalog Numbers (Scott): Usually cited as #1249–1256 (Set of 8) and #1257 (Souvenir Sheets).
• Design: The stamps feature various classical Japanese paintings and handicrafts, often including vibrant depictions of traditional life and nature.

Market Value

Because St. Vincent (like many Caribbean nations in the late 80s) produced many “topical” stamps specifically for collectors, these are relatively common but popular among those who collect art or Japanese-themed items.

What “SPECIMEN” Means for You

• Rarity: Specimen versions of these stamps are produced in much smaller quantities than the standard “Mint” versions.
• Condition: To maintain value, the stamps should be MNH (Mint Never Hinged), meaning the gum on the back is original and has no marks from stamp hinges.