To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the award of the George Cross to Malta, MaltaPost will, on the 14th April 2012, issue a stamp that will be set within a miniature sheet.
The miniature sheet bears a denomination of €4.16 and is a reproduction of a photograph of the ceremony where the George Cross was awarded to Malta. The stamp itself features the image of the George Cross.
Malta was awarded the George Cross by King George VI in a letter dated 15 April 1942 to the Island's Governor Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie: "To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history. Signed George R.I."
30,000 miniature sheets will be produced, bearing a face value of €4.16. The size of the stamp is 44.0mm x 31.0mm with a perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 (comb), while the miniature sheet measures 120mm x 80mm and was designed by MaltaPost. All stamps have been offset printed on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper by Printex Limited and are available in miniature sheets only.
Together with this miniature sheet, MaltaPost will issue a Limited Edition Silver Replica Stamp depicting the George Cross. This Silver Replica Stamp is a stunning reproduction of the €0.69 stamp from the Definitive Issue - Additional Values and is struck in 999.0 Silver. Each stamp is individually numbered and the issue is limited to a maximum of 2,000 pieces. The stamp will be presented in an elegant presentation box with Certificate of Authenticity.
The Philatelic Bureau will also publish a Commemorative Folder, which includes an individually numbered miniature sheet and a short message by the Hon Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi. These Commemorative Folders can be reserved so as to also allow collectors to match the folder with the numbered silver replica order.
The set together with the Silver Stamp Replica and Commemorative Folder will be available for sale from all Post Offices from Saturday 14 April. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Triq Ħal Qormi, Marsa, MTP 1001 - Telephone 2596 1740 - e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com
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