3919) National Archaeological Discoveries, Hungary: Magyar Posta (Hungarian Post) has issued two EUROPA Stamps featuring a neck collar discovered at Somló which is a unique find on the Somló Hill: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 09.05.2025:
About EUROPA Stamps:
EUROPA Stamps are special stamps issued by European postal administrations.
They bear the official EUROPA logo, a PostEurop registered trademark under the aegis of PostEurop in which Europe is the central theme.
EUROPA stamp issues are among the most collected and most popular stamps in the world and have been issued for over 60 years.
Every year a new theme is assigned by PostEurop and all participating countries issue stamps with their own interpretation of the theme. The theme for 2025 is "National Archeological Discoveries".
More about EUROPA Postage Stamps:
EUROPA Postage stamps (also known as Europa - CEPT - European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations - until 1992) are special stamps issued by European Postal Administrations/Enterprises and bears the official EUROPA logo, a PostEurop registered trademark under the aegis of PostEurop in which Europe is the central theme.
EUROPA stamps underline cooperation in the posts domain, aimed at promotion of philately. They also build awareness of the common roots, culture and history of Europe and its common goals.
As such, EUROPA stamp issues are among the most collected and most popular stamps in the world.
Since the first issue in 1956, EUROPA stamps have been a tangible symbol of Europe's desire for closer integration and co-operation.
In 1993, PostEurop became responsible for issuing EUROPA stamps.
When CEPT decided to focus more on telecommunications in 1993, PostEurop took over the management of the Europa issues. The CEPT logo was replaced by a new logo created by PostEurop i.e. the word "EUROPA" leaning towards the right hand side.
Each year, PostEurop's "Stamps & Philately Group" selects the EUROPA stamp theme:
1993 - Contemporary Art
1994 - Great Discoveries
1995 - Peace and Freedom
1996 - Famous women
1997 - Tales and legends
1998 - Festivals and National Celebrations
1999 - Nature Reserves and Parks
2000 - Common Design. Tower of 6 stars
2001 - Water - Treasure of Nature
2002 - The Circus
2003 - Poster Art
2004 - Holidays
2005 - Gastronomy
2006 - Integration through the eyes of Young People
2007 - Scout Centenary
2008 - Writing Letters
2009 - Astronomy
2010 - Children Books
2011 - Forests - International Year of Forests
2012 - Visit …. (for instance "Visit Finland" etc.)
2013 - Van of the Postman - Postal vehicles
2014 - Musical instruments - National musical instruments
2015 - Old Toys
2016 - Ecology in Europe - "Think Green". Common Design
2017 - Castles
2018 - Bridges
2019 - National Birds
2020 - Ancient Postal Routes
2021 - Endangered National Wildlife
2022 - Stories & Myths.
2023 - PEACE – The highest value of humanity
2024 - Underwater fauna and flora
2025 - National Archaeological discoveries
2026 - Common design: 70th anniversary of EUROPA stamps
2027 - Street art
About EUROPA - National Archaeological Discoveries, Hungary: Magyar Posta (Hungarian Post) has issued two EUROPA Stamps featuring a neck collar discovered at Somló is a unique find on the Somló Hill:
The EUROPA Stamps:
Each year the members of the Association of European Postal Operators (PostEurop) issue stamps on a common theme, which in 2025 is national archaeological discoveries.
The “EUROPA stamp” is one of the most popular themes for collectors and issues bearing the official logo are among the most sought after new stamps. The miniature sheet consisting of two pairs of stamps was designed by the graphic artist Katalin Bódi, of which 20,000 copies have been printed by the banknote printing company Pénzjegynyomda Zrt.
Somló Hill:
Somló Hill played an important role in the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, and was most likely the seat of an elite who hid their treasures there during mysterious sacrificial ceremonies.
For this reason, this isolated hill is among the most important archaeological sites in Hungary today.
Archaeological excavations on Somló have uncovered numerous fascinating finds which provide important information about the history and culture of the region.
The archaeologists, with the help of volunteers, found ritual treasures dating from the Late Bronze Age during a metal detecting survey.
The neck collar discovered at Somló is a unique find, as it consists of an eggshell-thin bronze plate covered by a thin gold foil held in place by its edges being folded back over the rim of the bronze plate.
The neck collar is divided into four fields by three bundles of cord-ribs and is also adorned with densely stamped concentric circular patterns.
This jewellery was probably part of a set of ceremonial vestments and may have been a sign of the wearer’s high social status.
The gold and amber jewellery is evidence of a flourishing Late Bronze Age culture.
These pieces of jewellery indicate that there was probably a close network of European contacts spanning the Baltic, the Alps and the Carpathian Basin.
The excavations have also unearthed a set of wild boar tusk trophies and individual weapons, which are indicative of the rich culture and traditions of the region’s warring communities.
The Stamps:
The two stamps of the special Miniature Sheet focus on the bronze neck collar covered in ornate gold foil, and an ornate bronze disc likewise covered in gold foil with amber beads, while the design of the frame features a composition of artefacts from Hoard I.
The First Day Cover (FDC)
The associated First Day Cover (FDC) shows a spearhead found in the hoard.
The imprint of the postmark on the first day cover shows a stylised drawing inspired by the ornamentation of the archaeological treasure.
Technical details:
Issue Date: 09.05.2025
Designer: Photos by László György, Designed by Katalin Bódi
Printer: Pénzjegynyomda Zrt. (miniature sheet); Codex Zrt. (FDC)
Process: Offset
Size: 30.00 mm x 40.00 mm
Values: HUF 4,080
Links:
17) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Old Road Majstorska Cesta", Croatia: A Se-tenant of two Stamps of the values of 8.60 HRK issued by Croatian Post: Date of stamp issue: 08.05.2020
Links to posts on European Capital of Culture:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Wonderful and informative post 👍"
Thank you so much Trikha sahab.
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