1255) "Arctic Deserts", Kalaallit Nunaat, ("Land of the People"), Greenland: Special Stamps issued by Greenland Post, the first one on 21.01.2019 and the second Stamp on: 28.02.2020:

1255) "Arctic Deserts", Kalaallit Nunaat, ("Land of the People"), Greenland: Special Stamps issued by Greenland Post, the first one on 21.01.2019 and the second Stamp on: 28.02.2020:

Greenland - "Kalaallit Nunaat":

Greenland is the world's largest island (2,166,086 sq. kilometres). With a population of about 60,000, it is the world's least densely populated country.

The Greenlandic name "Kalaallit Nunaat" means - "land of the people".

The North coast of Greenland is about 710.0  kilometres from the North Pole. Approximately 85% pf the land is covered by ice. The huge ice sheet and the low precipitation in large areas are reasons, why Greenland has the third largest desert area in the world. The town and settlements are free of ice during summer time.

Nuuk is the capital city with a population of about 15,000 and is the only town in Greenland.

It is well known that Greenland has lots of ice and snow. Its deserts are also referred to as "Arctic Deserts". The Arctic Desert is an incredible mineral landscape, where sulphur and iron-rich minerals crumble into yellow sulphur. There are many unique stones, some of which are estimated to be more than 1.5 million years old. One of these natural wonders is located near Uummannaq, North of Disko Bay. 

While sailing to the Arctic Desert, one passes icebergs in the fjord, and can come across birds, seals and even whales, before getting a chance to walk into the natural rugged and impressive landscape.

Arctic Deserts are great attractions in Greenland. They allure many tourists annually. 

The Stamps:

The beauty of the Arctic Deserts has been illustrated by Greenland Post on two attractive stamps, which were introduced by Greenland Post - one issued on  21st January 2019 and the other having been issued on 28.02.2020 (now).

The stamps were designed by Pierre Auzias from Uummannaq and were printed in offset.

This is the first of the two stamps depicting Arctic Deserts in Greenland issued on 21.01.2019. 

The second stamp in this series has now been issued on 28.02.2020:

The individual stamp issued on 28.02.2020 titled "Kalaallit Nunaat" (Arctic Desert - II)

An individual Stamp CTO (Cancelled To Order).

The First Day Cover (FDC) bears the special Cancellation Handstamp of Tasilaq Post Office and the Cancellation is dated - "28.02.2020".

This First Day Cover (FDC) has a Block (set of four stamps) affixed at the top right and bears the Special Cancellation stamp and date of cancellation - "28.02.2020".

           The First Day Envelope (FDE)

A Block (set of four stamps) CTO

A Full Sheet (FS) of 5 x 2 = 10 Stamps.

A Full Sheet  of 5 x 2 = 10 stamps CTO.

Links:

Some other interesting Posts from Finland & Nordic Countries:

1) Mint of Finland: Provincial Coins issued in 2010 & 2011 depicting cultures/traditions of Nine Historic Provinces which ceased to be Administrative Regions in 1634  

2) Commemorative Coins on Finnish Nature: 2 Euro (Cupro-Nickel) and 10 Euro (Silver) Coin depicting a Crow issued as part of "Finland 100" (Centennial Programme in 2017

3) Currency of Denmark: Krone and Ore (Part I): Historical Development of Coinage in Denmark

4) Currency of Denmark: Krone and Ore (Part II): The Evolution of Banknotes in Denmark

 5) "The Golden Age of Finnish Art": A 10 Euro Silver Coin with the afore-mentioned theme as part of the sub-theme for 2017 - "The Age of Iron and Glass" under the overall theme of "Ages of Europe" issued by the Mint of Finland on 20.02.2017: ii) "Europa Coin Programme" ot the "European Silver Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme"

6) Norges Bank (Central Bank of Norway): Introduction of the VIII Series of innovative/pixelated Banknotes with the theme "The Sea" in a phased manner from May 2017 to Q4 2020 and gradual withdrawal of the presently circulating Banknotes (VII Series) 

7) Currency and Coinage of Sweden: Kronor and Ore: New Banknote Series and Coins being issued in 2015 and 2016 

8) Currency and Coinage of Iceland: issued by  the Central Bank of Iceland or "Sedlabanki Islands": Kroner & Eyrir 

9) Centenary of the First Constitution of Independent Finland (1919-2019): A 100 Euro Gold Commemorative Coin celebrates the Centenary Anniversary with this abstract design minted by the Mint of Finland at their facilities in Vantaa: Coin Release date: 17.06.2019

10) "Protection of the Baltic Sea", Finland: The theme of this six stamp set issued by "Posti" (Finland Post), Finland, represented by Moomin stories characters: Stamp set issue date: 22.01.2020

11) Northern Lights, Aland Islands: A stamp of 1.70 Euro issued by Aland Post on 08.03.2019

12) Wildflowers, Aland: A new Series of Franking Labels issued by Aland Post: Date of issue: 03.02.2020

13) "Arctic Deserts", Kalaallit Nunaat, ("Land of the People"), Greenland: Special Stamps issued by Greenland Post, the first one on 21.01.2019 and the second Stamp on 28.02.2020

1254) Michelangelo's "Pieta", Vatican City: New Copper Coin Series titled "Art and Faith": A 10 Euro Copper Coin minted by the "Instituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato" (IPZS) on behalf of the "Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico Governatorato della Citta del Vaticano": Coin issue date: 05.03.2020:

1254) Michelangelo's "Pieta", Vatican City: New Copper Coin Series titled "Art and Faith": A 10 Euro Copper Coin minted by the "Instituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato" (IPZS) on behalf of the "Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico Governatorato della Citta del Vaticano": Coin issue date: 05.03.2020:

The Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico Governatorato della Citta del Vaticano - Holy see is issuing on 05.03.2020, new copper Collector Coins focussing on the theme of "Art and Faith", the combination of which has always characterised art and distinguishes innumerable masterpieces preserved in the Vatican City, some of which will feature in this Coin Series.

Through art, the popes over the centuries have communicated and conveyed their spiritual mission. 

St. John Paul II noted that, "even beyond its typically religious expressions, true art has a close affinity with the world of faith, so that, even in situations where culture and the Church are far apart, art remains a kind of bridge to religious experience."

This comment was attributed to a letter written by the pope to artists in 1999.

This new numismatic series begins with the sculpted - the work of extraordinary beauty - the "Pieta", created by 24-year old Michelangelo Buonarroti between 1498-1499. The work was commissioned by French Cardinal Jean de Bilheres, Ambassador of Charles VII to the court of Pope Alexander VI, and destined to the chapel of St. Petronilla, where it was meant to be the cardinal's funerary monument.

The Reverse of the 10 Euro Copper coin placed against a background of Michelangelo's sculpture of the "Pieta"

 Here art and faith unite, reaching an expressive and emotional force of rare fusion/intensity, without affecting in any way the delicacy and gentleness of the composition, which remains one of the most admired works ever.

The Coin:

The Coins have been minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato (IPZS) at their facilities in Rome, on behalf of the treasury of the Holy See.

On the Reverse of the 10 Euro Copper Coin is depicted the famous work of art of the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the cricifixion. The sculpture was crafted out of Carrara marble and is the only piece that Michelangelo ever signed.

On the upper periphery is inscribed - "CITTA DEL VATICANO" (meaning "Vatican City State") and on the lower periphery is the denomination of the coin - "10 EURO".

On the Obverse of the 10 Euro Copper Coin is seen the crest of Pope Francis depicting the papal mitre and crossed keys. 

The inscription - FRANCISCUS PP ANNO DOMINI MMXX" (meaning "Pope Francis, in the year 2020 AD") is seen on the upper periphery and MISERANDO ATQUE ELIGENDO" the Latin motto of Pope Francis (meaning "by having mercy, by choosing him") is seen on the lower periphery.

The specifications of this Copper Coin are:

Coin Series Name: "Art and Faith"; Denomination:10 Euro; Metal Composition: Copper: Weight: 15.0 grams; Diameter/Size: 32.0 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Minted by: Istituto Poligraphico e Zecca Dello Stato (IPZS), Italy, at their facilities in Rome; Maximum Mintage: 43,000 pieces; Designer: Chiara Principe; Year: 2020.

For some other interesting posts from Italy/The Vatican, please visit the following links:

1) Historic Sassi (meaning "The Stones of Matera"): (I Sassi di Matera Basilicata): "Italy of the Arts Series": (Serie Italia della Arti): A 10 Euro Proof Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico Zecca Della Stato" (IPZS) on 19.09.2017 

2) 80th Anniversary of the Founding of the Vatican City State (1929-2009): A Vatican Euro Coin Set depicting Pope Benedict XVI on the Obverse, issued by Vatican City Mint in 2009

3) Amatrice: "Art Treasures of Amartice", Italy: A 5 Euro Bimetallic Commemorative Coin issued by Istituto Poligrafico Zecca della Stato (IPZS) on 06.08.2018

4) Marco Polo, Explorer, Italy (1254-8/9.01.1324): A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca di Stato, the Italian State Mint (2018)

5) Vespa, Italy: "Italian Excellence Collector Coin Series": A 5 Euro Silver Coin in three selectively coloured variants brought out by "Istituto Poligrafico Zecca della Stato (IPZS) on 12.04.2019

6) Israel-Vatican Joint Issue: Celebrating 25 Years of diplomatic relations between Israel & the Holy See: A Commemorative Stamp issued jointly by Israel Philatelic Service & the Holy See Numismatic Service/Vatican Post: Stamp issue date: 10.09.2019

7) Michelangelo's "Pieta", Vatican City: New Copper Coin Series titled "Art and Faithy": A 10 Euro Copper Coin minted by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato" (IPZS) on behalf of the "Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico Governatorato della Cotta del Vaticano": Coin issue date: 05.03.2020

Posts on the Eurostar Coin Programme on this Blog:

1) Europa Coin Programme: A series of six coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) with the theme "The Age of Iron & Glass" in January 2017

2) The Golden Age of Finnish Art: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the Mit of Finland with the theme "The Age of Iron And Glass" on 20.02.2017

3) Baptism of Christ: 50 Euro Gold and 10 Euro Silver Coins issued by the Central Bank of Malta on the theme "Baroque and Rococo Art" on 14.03.2018

4) The "Baroque & Rococo Era" in France : Coins feature, The Hall of Mirrors, Rococo elements of the Palace of Versailles, philosopher Voltaire and the Dancing King Louis XIV in gold & silver coins issued during 2018, under the "Europa Coin Programme" 

5) Malta: Renaissance Era Ship design depicting the Order od St. John's "Gran Carracca Sant' Anna" features of the latest Europa Silver Star Programme issue from the Central Bank of Malta: Coin issue date: 15.03.2019

6) Spanish Renaissance: 200 Euro (4 Escudo) Gold and Silver 10 Euro (8 Reales) Collector Coins: "Europa Coin Programme" or the "Eurostar Coin Programme" depicted on Gold and Silver Coins issued by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda: Issue date: 27.05.2019

7) 500th Anniversary of the Birth of Tintoretto, Italy: "20 Euro Gold Coin": "Europa Coin Programme" ot the "Eurostar Coin Programme"depicted on Gold Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico Zecca della Stato (IPZS): Coin issue date: 18.06.2019

8) The Exquisite & Historic Cathedral of Milan, Italy: "Italy of the Arts" Coin Series which began in 2012: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued on 02.10.2019 minted by "Istituto Poligrafico Zecca della Stato" (IPZS)