2018-08-13 Mon

The ‘Dea Roma’ stamp of Italy was the third and 1st ‘no-portrait’ commemorative issue of Italy.

The commemorative stamps of Italy first appeared in 1910. This time period coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the Italian Wars of Independence and the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy, so there was plenty to celebrate.

Issued on 1st May 1911, the “Dea Roma” stamp is among the set of four stamps issued to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Unification of the Italian States to form the Kingdom of Italy.

The 15 Centesimi stamp features a symbolic representation of the Glory of Rome. "DEA ROMA" (Goddess of Roma) was a female deity who personified the city of Rome and more broadly, the Roman state. It is more than appropriate to depict the goddess of state on a stamp that commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the Unification of the state.

The central design actually depicts an ancient scribe inscribing "DEA ROMA" (Goddess of Rome) on a monument. Behind the scribe, a circle of a snake is engraved with the words Dea Roma in it. At the top of the stamp, “Poste Italiane” (Italian Post) is seen whereas on at the bottom an inscription “Cinq Vantenario Del Reigno D’Italia Roma E Torino 1911” (Fifty Years of the Kingdom of Italy Rome And Turin) along with a coat of arms of Italy on its Right.

Image Courtesy: https://colnect.com