Postal Expo in City

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : This November meet Penny Black in the city. For, the world’s first postage stamp will be brought to ‘Anathapuripex 2014’, a philately exhibition to be organised by the Department of Posts on November 13 and 14.

 

 Being the oldest stamp, one would wonder how a Penny Black survived the onslaught of time. In those days, the stamp was pasted on the letter, which was then folded and sealed.

 

For this reason, a large number of Penny Black stamps exist to this day. However, just two pieces of its early issue can be found. One of those, auctioned in the US, fetched 5 million US Dollars.

 

 At the exhibition, one can scout for stories. For stamps come with a narrative about the places they come from as well as the times they were brought out. There could be stamps which are rare, because of the printing errors. Treskilling Yellow (not part of the exhibition) is an example. Three skilling stamps are normally green, but an unknown error in 1855 caused stamps to be yellow. The only known copy in existence was auctioned off in 2010, and even though the exact price was not revealed, the auctioneer is said to have stated that it was “more expensive than any single postage stamp in the world.” 

 

 Collectors of rare and interesting stamps have been invited to the district-level exhibition. Dealer booths will be set up, for people to sell, buy or barter stamps. 

 

 There will be a competition of philatelists, with no fee charged for those under 21 years. There will be four categories - under 15 years, 16 to 18 years, 19 to 21 years, above 21 and school collections. A jury instituted by the Postal Department will decide the winners.

 

 Special covers and cancellation marks which reflect Thiruvananthapuram’s cultural heritage will be released at the exhibition. The venue will be Bhagyamala auditorium in Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium here. The exhibition is being hosted by Thiruvananthapuram North Postal Division.

 

 In places where the political environment is unstable, high security would be arranged for stamps. Imagine a tiny stamp being given the protection of gun men.

 

The exhibition in the city, however, won’t need such precautions. The participants in the competition will have to arrange for adequate insurance coverage and the organisers will arrange for other security measures.

Source : http://www.newindianexpress.com/