Modern unique philately
We do not have to look for unique postage stamps only in the past. Even today, under certain circumstances, interesting and very valuable emissions can be released. A very good example is the postage stamp issued by the Vatican on May 16, 2023 on the occasion of World Youth Day in Lisbon (Fig. 1). The stamp went on sale on the day of its official issue, but was withdrawn from circulation the very next day. The reason for this was its motive, which, according to the protests, referred to Portugal’s colonialist past. However, within a single day of its validity, about 2,000 pieces were put into circulation. Thus, a stamp with a nominal value of 3,10 EURO is currently sold at auctions for 750 – 800 EURO. The original postage stamp has been replaced by a stamp of the same value but with a different motif (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1: Original postage stamp “World Youth Day”
Fig. 2: Postage stamp “World Youth Day” with a new design
Photos used in this article – private collection of the author.