:
:: IRELAND / ÉIRE
:: THEME: EUROPA - Old Toys
:: NOMINAL VALUE: 0.68, 1.00 €
:: ISSUE DATE: 14 May 2015
:: DESIGN: Design Factory
On the 14th of May 2015, An Post issued two stamps to celebrate this year’s Europa theme – Old Toys.
EUROPA stamps are unique stamps issued by European postal administrations, including An Post. Each stamp bears the official EUROPA logo, a PostEurop registered trademark under the aegis of PostEurop in which Europe is the central theme. The idea behind EUROPA stamps is to underline cooperation in postal administrations within Europe while promoting philately throughout the region. Since the first issue in 1956, EUROPA stamps have been a symbol of Europe’s desire for closer integration and cooperation.
In 1993, PostEurop became responsible for issuing EUROPA stamps. The stamps are also designed to help build awareness of the common roots, culture and history of Europe and its common goals. EUROPA stamp issues are among the most collected and most popular stamps in the world. Last year, in 2014, the theme was “Musical Instruments” while next year, in 2016, it will be “Ecology in Europe - Think Green”.
The 2015 Europa theme is “Old Toys”. There are two stamps being issued in the multination Europa series reflecting the 2015 theme of old toys. Each country will issue its own interpretation of the theme and in Denmark, for example, the stamps feature Lego Toys showing the popular construction toy.
The two stamps from An Post were designed by leading Dublin design firm Design Factory and are based on paintings by Comhghall Casey. From Omagh in Co. Tyrone, Casey’s work focuses on creating meticulous and sparse still life studies as well as portraiture and life painting. The 68c stamp features a toy truck while the€1 stamp features an old teddy bear.
Europa - Old Toys - First Day Cover (FDC)
PRODUCT CODE: 1508FDC
Europa - Old Toys 68c Sheetlet
PRODUCT CODE: 150868SX
Europa - Old Toys 1.00 € Sheetlet
PRODUCT CODE: 1508100SX
| ISSUE DATE: | 14 May 2015 |
| NOMINAL VALUE: | 0.68 € / 1.00 € |
| CIRCULATION: | 136 000 / 116 000 |
| STAMP DESIGN: | Design Factory |
| STAMP SIZE: | 29.8mm x 40.6mm |
| COLOUR: | Multicolour with phosphor tagging |
| LAYOUT: | Sheetlets of 10 |
| PERFORATIONS: | 14.1 x 14.3 |
| PRINTER: | Cartor Security Printers |
| PRINTING PROCESS: | Lithography |
| An Post PRODUCT No.: | 1508100 / 150868 (68c) |