The Basel Dove Stamp
2018-04-06 Fri
The Basel Dove Stamp is a notable stamp issued by the Swiss canton of Basel. This tricolour embossed stamp is the most beautiful and unique of all the classic stamps.Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland, after Zurich and Geneva. Before Switzerland became a federal state in 1848, it was a loose confederation of independent cantons, each having their own postal arrangements. On 1 July 1845, the city of Basel issued its one and only stamp, the famous ‘Basel Dove’, designed by architect Melchior Berri.
The design is dominated by the coat of arms of Basel Canton. In the centre is a crosier. Below the crosier is a red background, and embossed within it a white dove in flight, carrying a letter in its beak. From there comes the stamp’s nickname: “The Basil Dove.” And in the lower corners is the denomination “2 ½ Rp. [rappen]. The motifs are mounted on a calming pale blue background.
The Basel Dove stamp was a first in multiple ways. It was the first stamp to be printed in three colours. It was the first stamp to combine engraving and embossing, and it was the first stamp to depict a bird.
In short, it was a wonderful achievement for Berri – the designer.
Image Curtsey: https://www.wonderslist.com
Latest News
-
Janma Kalnayak of Bhagwan Mahavir
2024-04-24 WedOn 21st April 2024 which was the 2550th Janma Kalnyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, PM Modi unveile...
-
Gold Pagoda of Vijaynagar Empire King Deva Raya I
2024-04-10 WedKing Deva Raya I of the Vijayanagara Empire was a patron of Kannada literature and architecture. He ...
-
Silver Denarius of Septimus Severus
2024-04-05 FriLucius Septimius Severus served as the Roman emperor from 193 to 211 AD. Severus sat on the throne o...
-
Extremely rare 'Malaharamari' type Gold Gadyana of King Guhalladeva-III Sold for INR 611000
2024-04-03 WedTribhuvanamalla, also known as Guhalladeva III, was the ruler of the Kadamba dynasty. His reign coin...
-
90 Years of RBI
2024-04-02 TueOn 1st April, PM #Modi unveiled a special commemorative coin marking 90 Years since the foundation o...