Monday, 30 September 2019

1099) World Bee Day: A set of three Stamps issued by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) on behalf of three offices - New York, Geneva and Vienna to bring focussed attention on Bees: Stamps issue date: 20.05.2019:

1099) World Bee Day: A set of three Stamps issued by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) on behalf of three offices - New York, Geneva and Vienna to bring focussed attention on Bees: Stamps issue date: 20.05.2019:

The three offices - New York, Geneva and Vienna Souvenir/Miniature Sheets showcase the Cadeguala bee (diphaglossine bees) and the flower Corydalis flavula on the New York stamp, the Bombus (bumblebee) and the flower Lobelia cardinalis on the Geneva Miniature Sheet and the Melissodes (long-horned bees) and the flower Scutellaria lateriflora on the Vienna Miniature Sheet.
The above are Miniature Sheets CTO (Cancelled to Order).
The three First Day Covers (FDCs) showcasing the Bees and flowers as described above, issued on behalf of New York, Geneva and Vienna offices.

The FDCs are titled "World Bee Day". The Special Handstamps/postmarks all three show a bee or pollinator in the centre and bear the respective post marks of the three offices. The cancellation date is "20.05.2019".

The technical details of this stamp issue are:

Issue Date: 20.05.2019

Stamp Size: 35.0 mm x 50.0 mm

Souvenir/Miniature Sheet Size:  110.0 mm x 70.0 mm

Stamp values: US$ 3.00

Printer: Lowe-Martin Group (Canada2019, 

Process: Offset lithography (Hexachrome)

Designer: Rorie Katz (United Nations)

Photographs of bees were provided by the Patuxent Wildlife Research Centre of the US Geological Survey.

More about the Bees and Flowers stamp issue:


The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) celebrated World Bee day on 20.05.2019, by issuing three stamp mini-sheets showcasing bees and flowers. 

The United Nations has designated 20th May as World Bee Day, because of Slovenia's initiative in 2017 to raise public awareness about the importance of bees, the threats they face, the need to protect their natural habitats and their contribution to sustainable development. Invasive insects, pesticides, land-use change and mono-cropping practices  reduce available nutrients, posing a threat to bee colonies.

20th May coincides with the birth anniversary of Anton Jansa, who in the 18th Century, pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in his country of birth Slovenia and praised the bees for their ability to work so hard, while needing so little attention.

Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollinators allow many plants, including food crops, to reproduce. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity - a cornerstone of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

Close to three-quarters of the world' crop species depend, at least in part, on bees and other pollinators. Pollinators play an essential role in helping to feed a rising world population in a sustainable way and to help maintain bio-diversity and a vibrant eco-system. Pollinators serve as sentinels for emergent environmental risks, signalling the health of local eco-systems.

They contribute to building resilient livelihoods and creating new jobs, especially for small farm owners, satisfying the growing demand for healthy, nutritious food, as well as, non-food products. 

The bees and flowers featured on the Miniature sheets are:

New York Sheet

Bee: Cadaguala (diphaglossine bees)

Flower: Corydalis flavula

Geneva Sheet:

Bee: Bombus (bumblebee)
Flower: Lobelia cardinalis

Vienna Sheet:

Bee: Melissodes (long-horned bees)
Flower: Scutellaria lateriflora








For some other interesting posts from United Nations Organisation, please visit the following links:

1098) Climate Change Summit, United Nations Organisation (New York): A set of 6 Stamps and 3 Souvenir Sheets brought out by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) on the theme - "A Race We Can Win - A Race We Must Win" on 23.09.2019:

1098) Climate Change Summit, United Nations Organisation (New York): A set of 6 Stamps and 3 Souvenir Sheets brought out by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) on the theme - "A Race We Can Win - A Race We Must Win" on 23.09.2019:

Climate change is the buzzword and defining issue of out time and now is the moment to do something about it. In 09/2019, the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterras has hosted the UN 2019 Climate Summit, which has one of its objectives to advance climate action that will enable implementation of many of the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

To support this Agenda, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has issued a set of six stamps and three souvenir sheets on the theme "A Race We Can Win - A Race We Must Win".

The impacts on climate change are being felt everywhere and are having very real consequences on people's lives. The need of the hour is to change course by 2020, or the planet may face disastrous consequences for people and all the natural systems that sustain us.

The Summit has challenged States, regions, cities, companies, investors and citizens to step up action in the areas of energy transition, climate finance and carbon pricing, industry transition, nature-based solutions, cities and local action, as well as, resilience. The summit is building up on the outcomes of the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS), the 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 24) to the UNFCCC and the Global Conference on Strengthening Synergies between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, among others. The race is on.

The Indian Contribution to the United Nations Headquarters:

Signifying its commitment to sustainability and climate action, India is the "first responder" to the  UN Secretary General Gutterras's call for climate change and the Indian Prime Minister has gifted 193 solar panels - one each for the 193 UN member countries which have been installed on the roof of the United Nations Headquarters.

The solar panels, valued at  one million dollars and gifted to all the UN member states in a symbolic gesture, are powered up to reach a maximum of 50 Kilowatt (KW) of power generation.

Our neighbour Imran Khan of Pakistan (where Terrorists are thriving with the tacit support of the Central Government/Pakistani Army has gone a step further and cautioned the world of the after-effects of a nuclear holocaust, which he has threatened to unleash upon the Indian sub-continent. Tsk, tsk, the level of education and awareness about climate change in our neighbouring country seems to be abysmally low, if this is the Head of the Nation's "solution" for climate change.

The Stamp set:

The First Day Cover (FDC) issued by the United nations Postal Administration (UNPA), at left shows the image of a happy dolphin breathing out fresh bubbles, swimming in clean/clear waters. The title of the FDC - "A RACE WE CAN WIN" is written in three languages.

At top right is seen the two postage stamps issued in the set - one of 55 cents and the other of $1.15 value, both showing a clean Earth with greenery and ice capped mountains because of the climate change initiatives taken by various countries/groups.

The special Cancellation Handstamp/postmark is of New York Head Office & the Cancellation is dated "06.09.2019".
In this image are seen two FDCs each stamped with a single stamp. The Special Cancellation Handstamp/postmarks are again of New York Head Office and are dated "06.09.2019".

A First Day Cover (FDC) cancelled with an affixed Souvenir sheet of $1.15 value, showing a clean green Earth, with clean water flowing across the landscape, emerging from a mountain. The same Handstamp has been affixed, with the date of cancellation - "06.09.2019".
In the above image two First Day Covers (FDCs) have been cancelled with a block each (A block consists of four stamps) affixed to the Covers. The Special Cancellation Handstamp is of New York Head Office and the cancellation date is "06.09.2019".

The two Stamps included in the set titled "A RACE WE CAN WIN - UN", one of 55 Cents and the other of $1.15 value.
The Souvenir Sheet  shows the planet in the centre and a clean stream of water joining a rover with ice floes showcasing a clean vibrant Earth. Two polar bears stand together in a  healthy clean environment.
The above Souvenir Sheet is a CTO (Cancelled to Order) with the special Handstamp/Post Mark.
Two Full sheets of 5 x 4 = 20 Stamps each showcasing the two variants issued in the set.
The above two Full Sheets (FS) are CTO (Cancelled to Order) with the special Handstamp/postmark.

The technical specifications of the Stamp set are:

Date of issue: 23.09.2019

Issuer: United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA)

Designer: Sergio Baradat (United Nations)

Printer: Cartor Security Printing (France)

Process: Offset

Stamp values: US$ 0.55, US$ 1.15, CHF 1.00 CHF 1.50, Euro 0.80, Euro 0.90

Size: 50.0 mm x 35.0 mm

Participating countries/Cities in the Stamp issue: New York, Geneva, Vienna.




Sunday, 29 September 2019

1097) The White Lion of Mortimer: Seventh Coin in "The Queen's Beasts Coin Series", UK: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins kick-started by the Royal Mint, UK in March 2016: The White Lion of Mortimer Coins issue date: Early 2020:

1097) The White Lion of Mortimer: Seventh Coin in "The Queen's Beasts Coin Series", UK: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins kick-started by the Royal Mint, UK in March 2016: The White Lion of Mortimer Coins issue date: Early 2020:

The Royal Mint, UK began on 29.03.2016, a new Coin Series thtled "The Queen's Beasts" featuring both mythical and real beasts that have featured on British heraldry over the last five centuries.

Spanning back to the reign of King Henry VIII, "The King's Beasts" are a group of creatures that symbolise the various strands of royal ancestry brought together as a heraldic badge.

The Queen's Beasts:


The Queen's Beasts are ten fascinating creatures representing Heraldic ties of The Queen. Displayed as statues on the day of the Queen's coronation in 1953, the beasts live on in Kew Gardens in the form of replicas sculpted by the same sculptor.

This Coin Series will include all ten of these creatures, which recall hundreds of years of British royal heraldry and will showcase one "beast at a time.

The Queen's Beasts - present day:

At the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, ten heraldic beasts stood guard. They were sculpted by James Woodford RA for the coronation ceremony held in Westminster Abbey in 1953, and each stands six feet tall.

Each beast, used as a heraldic badge by generations that went before her, was inspired by the King's Beasts of Henry VIII that that still line the bridge over the moat at his Hampton Court Palace.

These mythical and ancient creatures include - the Lion of England, Griffin of Edward III, Falcon of the Plantagenets, Black Bull of Clarence, Yale of Beaufort, White Greyhound of Richmond, Red Dragon of Wales, Unicorn of Scotland, White Lion of Mortimer and White Horse of Hanover.

 In "The Queen's Beasts Coin Collection",  six Creatures have already featured on 5 Pound Coins since its inception in 2017 - The Lion of England, Unicorn of Scotland, Red Dragon of Wales, Black Bull of Clarence, Falcon of the Plantagenets and the Yale of Beaufort.

About the White Lion of Mortimer:

The seventh Coin in the series which will be issued in early 2020 will feature the "White Lion of Mortimer", which is a heraldic beast that comes to the British monarchy through Edward IV, the first of the Yorkist kings, who inherited the creature from his grandmother, heiress of the Mortimers. 

It is a creature with a history extending back more than 500 years and is adorned with symbols dating back even further. Although Edward sometimes used the White Lion as a supporter of his Royal Arms, unlike the Lions of England, the white lion of Mortimer has no crown and its tongue and claws are blue rather than red.

 In heraldry, lions are often "rampant" standing with forepaws raised, but the Lion of Mortimer is often shown sitting, rather like a tamed dog with its tail between its legs.

The Yorkist White Lion Badge:


The White Lion of "The Queen's Beasts Coin Series" holds a Yorkist shield of blue and "murrey" (or mulberry colour) with a "white rose en soleil", a white rose on a golden sun, combining emblems  that were used by both Edward IV and Richard III. It was a badge used by George VI, the Queen's father, when he was the Duke of York.

The Commemorative Coins:

The Reverse of the 5 Pounds Brilliant Uncirculated  Coin shows a rampant White Lion of Mortimer facing right, supporting a Yorkist shield displaying a white rose "en soleil" with its right forepaw.

On the lower periphery is mentioned "THE LION OF MORTIMER", while on the upper periphery is mentioned the year of issue "2020". The designer's initials "JC" standing for Jody Clark appear to the side of the shield.

The Obverse of the 5 Pounds Brilliant Uncirculated Coin shows an effigy of Queen Elizabethy II designed by Jody Clark, whose initials "JC" appear below  the Queen's neck. The peripheral inscriptions are: "5 POUNDS. ELIZABETH II. D.G. REG. F.D. (meaning "Elizabeth II, By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith").

The specifications of the 5 Pounds Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) variant are:

Denomination: 5 Pounds; Metal composition: Cupro-nickel; Weight: 28.2 grams;  Diameter/Size: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Maximum Mintage: Unlimited pieces; Mint:Royal Mint, UK; Mint Year: 2020.

The specifications of the other variants are:

Gold variants:

100 Pounds Coin (Gold):

Diameter/Size:32.69 mm; Metal Composition: .9999 Gold (Au); Weight: 31.1 grams; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 400 pieces; Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mint year: 2020.

500 Pounds Coin (Gold):

Denomination: 500 Pounds; Metal Composition: .9999 Gold (Au); Weight: 156.29 grams; Diameter/Size: 50.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 55 pieces; Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mint Year: 2020.

1,000 Pounds Coin (Gold):

Denomination: 1,000 Pounds; Metal Composition: .9999 Gold (Au); Weight: 1,005 grams; Diameter/Size: 100.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 10 pieces; Minted by: Royal Mint, UK; Mint Year: 2020.

The Gold coins are presented in an elegant Wooden Box, placed in an outer Royal Mint Case and are accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

 Silver Variants:

10 Pounds - Variant one (Silver Coin):

Denomination: 10 Pounds; Metal Composition: .999 Silver (Ag); Weight: 156.29 grams; Diameter/Size: 65.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 250 pieces; Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mint Year: 2020.

10 Pounds - Variant two (Silver Coin):

Denomination: 10 Pounds; Metal Composition: .999 Silver (Ag); Weight: 312.59 grams; Diameter/Size: 65.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage:200 pieces; Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mint Year: 2020.

500 Pounds (Silver coin):

Denomination: 500 Pounds; Metal Composition: .999 Silver (Ag); Weight: 1,005 grams; Diameter/Size: 100.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 90 pieces; Mint: Royal Mint, UK; Mint Year: 2020.

The Silver coins are presented in an elegant Presentation Case and will be accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).









Links to some other interesting posts from the British Isles and British Overseas Territories/Dependencies:
Central Bank of Ireland issues:


1) Jonathan Swift: 350th Birth Anniversary 15 Euro Silver Proof coin features his most famous work "Gulliver's Travels" : Coin issued on 30.11.2017

2) Ireland: Women's right to Vote - 100th Year Anniversary : A Silver 15 Euro Proof Collector Coin issued by the Central Bank of Ireland on 27.11.2018

3) Irish Myths & Legends: 1) The Children of Lir;2) Cu Chulain; 3) The Omniscient Salmon of Knowledge; 4) Werewolves of Ossory; 5) The Brown Bull of Cooley and Deirdre of the Sorrows: An Annual Mint Set from the Central Bank of Ireland, recreates/celebrates Irish Folk Tales (Issue date: 30.04.2018)

4) Centenary of the "First Trans-Atlantic Aviation", Ireland: A 15 Euro Silver Proof Coin issued by the central Bank of Ireland and minted by the Royal Dutch Mint: Coin issue date: 10.07.2019

Northern Ireland Bank issues:

1) Northern Ireland Polymer Bank Issues: Danske Bank (10 Pounds Polymer Banknotes), Bank of Ireland (5 & 10 Pound Polymer Banknotes) to go into circulation in 2020/21

6) Jane Austen: features on the second circulating Polymer Banknote of 10 Pounds denomination to be released on 14.09.2017

Inspirations from Scottish History (Clydesdale Bank Banknotes): 

1) The Legend of King Bruce & the Spider on Banknotes
  
2) Commemorating Sir William Arrol and his creation the Forth Rail Bridge by issues of Britain's first ever 5 Pound Polymer Banknote

Banknotes from Bank of Scotland:



British Crown Dependencies:

1) Specimen Banknotes from the States of Jersey

2) Coinage and Currency from the States of Jersey

3) Currency & Coinage of the Bailiwick of Guernsey

4) Currency & Coinage of Gibraltar : An Overseas Territory of Great Britain

5) Coinage of Gibraltar: (A British Overseas Territory): An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set minted by the Tower Mint, UK in 2010
  
6) The Isle of Man: An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set minted by Pobjoy Mint, UK in 2015

7) The Centenary of the ill-fated Titanic (15.04.1912 - 15.04.2012): An Alderney Five Pound Coin Commemorating the Maritime Legend

8) "Man of Steel": A Superman Movie: A set of stamps brought out in 2013 by Jersey post, the States of Jersey, commemorating Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill who played Superman in the Movie

9) Coins & Currency of Bermuda

10) The Bailiwick of Jersey - Presently circulating coinage - Pounds and Pence 

11) St. Helena & Ascension Islands: An Uncirculated Coin Set from 2003 

12) The Legend of the "HMAV Bounty" is interwoven with the heritage of the Pitcairn Islands: An uncirculated coin set from Pitcairn Islands in 2009 depicting the icons/relics of the Bounty minted by the New Zealand Mint

13) Currency of the Falkland Islands: A British Overseas Territory (BOT) Pounds & Pence

14) Falkland Islands Penguins: 50 Pence Coin Series: The first Coin in the Series of four coins: the Rock-Hopper Penguin 


15) Falkland Islands Penguins: 50 Pence Coin Series: The Gentoo Penguin:Second Coin in the series of four coins issued on 20.06.2017 

19) The Isle of Man: A British Crown Dependency (BCD) Coinage: A newly introduced Collector's circulation Currency Coinage Collector's set received from the Tower Mint, London, UK issued in April 2017

20) Pegasus: British Virgin Islands: A gold Bullion Coin of $100 issued by Pobjoy Mint on belalf of British Virgin Islands in July 2018

21) "The Hydra": British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT): A Silver Double Crown (4 Pounds), 2 Oz High Relief Coin with Antique Finish: Third Coin in the Series titled "Mythical Creatures" issued by Pobjoy Mint, UK on behalf of BIOT on 07.08.2018

22) "Medusa The Gorgon": British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT): A Silver Double Crown (4 Pounds), 2 Oz High relief Coin with antique Finish: Fourth Coin in the series titled "Mythical Creatures" issued by Pobjoy Mint UK on behalf of BIOT in 09/2018


25) South Atlantic Fauna Coins from Ascension Island and South Georgia and Sandwich Islands, British Overseas Territories (BOT): (Part II): A 1 Pound Titanium Coin & a 1 Pound Uncirculated Coin variant, feature the Queen Triggerfish, issued on behalf of Ascension Island (2019) minted by the Pobjoy Mint, UK

26) Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic Explorer: South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands: A 2 Pounds Coin minted by Pobjoy Mint, UK, brought out on 26.02.2019 on behalf of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands in two variants - Silver and Cupro-nickel

27) Concorde, a Stamp set from Gibraltar, A British Overseas Territory (BOT): 50th Anniversary of the first Supersonic Passenger Carrying Airplane, jointly built by France and Great Britain: Stamp set issue date: 20.04.2019

28) Tristan da Cunha (BOT): A Wedgwood "Three Graces" Jasperware 5 Pound Coin: minted in 2018

29) 75th Anniversary of D-Day Landings: (The Battle of Normandy): i) A Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau Stamp set of 4 stamps issued on 08.03.2019: ii) A Limited edition D-Day joint Commemorative issue by British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territory - Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man and Gibraltar on 06.06.2019

30) Manannan, the First King of Isle of Man or Mann: A Silver 5 Pounds Coin brought out by the Isle of Man in collaboration with Coin Invest Trust (CIT) and minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich

31) 200th Anniversary of John Keats' "Odes to a ....", Alderney Island: A set of six Postage stamps issued by Guernsey Post which brings out stamps on behalf of Alderney Island - 1) Ode on a Grecian Urn,(48p) 2) Ode on Indolence (65p), 3) Ode on Melancholy (66p), 4) Ode to a Nightingale (80p), 5) Ode to Psyche (90p), 6) Ode to Autumn (98 p): Stamp Set issue date: 24.07.2019

32) Isle of Mann: Celebrating the 200th Birth Anniversary of the Birth of Herman Melville, the author of the classic Moby Dick: A six Stamp Set issued on 22.07.2019



Famous Battles
1) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's Exile to St. Helena: (Part I): A One Crown Commemorative coin issued by the Ascension Island (minted by Pobjoy Mint UK) 
2) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's Exile to st. Helena: (Part II) 1) A 5 GBP Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK. 2) A"Drie Landen Zilverset" ( ot the "Three Lands Silver set") containing coins issued by the Royal Dutch Mint including coins of Netherlands, Belgium and UK

3) Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain by issuing a 50 Pence coin by the Royal Mint UK

Gold Coins:
  
1) Gold Sovereigns issued in 2013 & 2014 by MMTC-PAMP in India under licence from the Royal Mint, UK, carrying the "I" Mint Mark

2) Gold Half-Sovereigns minted by MMTC-PAMP in India in 2014 under licence from the Royal Mint UK bearing the "I" Mint Mark 

Silver Coins:

1) A 20 Pound Silver coin minted for the first timr by the royal Mint UK: reverse design carries the famous St. George slaying the dragon design found on Gold Sovereigns 

British India Coinage:

 1) East India Company Quarter Anna Copper Coin which is one of the first issues under the Coinage Act 1835

2) Victoria Coinage: When she was Queen and afterwards Empress

3) Edward VII: King & Emperor  Coinage

4) George V King Emperor Coinage

5) George VI: The last of the British India Emperors Coinage 

Other British Royalty: 

1) Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations (1952-2012): A Five Pound Commemorative coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK

2) Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953: A Five Pound Coin minted by the Royal Mint UK in 2013, depicting the Imperial State Crown

3) The Royal Coat of Arms of the UK: Great British 2012 Coin Set (Uncirculated) issued by the Royal Mint UK

4) Prince George's Christening Ceremony celebrated with coins issued by the Royal Mint UK in 2013

5) The British Empire:  A Case of Numismatic "Segregation": (Guest Post by Rahul Kumar)

6) 1) The Portrait Collection: Various Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II on Coinage 2) The Fourth & Final Circulating coinage of the Portrait designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and the First Edition of the portrait of the Queen made by Jody Clark

 British Coinage:

1) The contribution of the Great British One-Pound coins in keeping alive the historical legends/emblems/heritage of the UK (1983 onwards)

2) Transformation of a Five shilling Coin (Crown) into the UK Twenty-five Pence & then the Five Pound Coin


4) The 350th Anniversary of the Guinea: A Two Pound Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK celebrating the milestone



 Commemorative British Coinage:

 1) Commemorating the Bicentenary of Charles Dickens: A Two pound coin celebrating his literary contributions during the Victorian Era

 2) Commemorating 50 Years of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - presently called the World Wide Fund for Nature by issue of a Fifty Pence coin by the Royal Mint, UK

3) Coins commemorating London Olympics & Paralympics (2012)

4) Commemorating 150 Years of the London Underground : Two pound Coins minted by the Royal Mint UK, showing the "Roundel" logo and a train emerging from a tunnel 

5) Commemorating the 100th Birth anniversary of Christopher Ironside with his " Royal Arms" design on a 50 Pence coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK 



Links: Postage Stamps: