courtesy of: The Morning News
by Rosalie Klein
For those seeking a truly unique and singular souvenir of Aruba, a trip to the Post Aruba headquarters in Oranjestad will provide the perfect memento for the stamp collector in the family, or perhaps provide an exciting way to get a youngster started on this fascinating hobby.
Annually, Post Aruba issues anywhere from 8 to 12 commemorative series; the first day ensemble includes 4 stamps designed by a top Aruban artist, plus a matching cover envelope and cancellation stamp.
Aside from the monthly issues, usually dedicated to some aspect of Aruba, there is usually one that is particularly special, such as the 25th Anniversary of Aruba achieving Status Aparte, from last year, and for 2012, a stamp by artist Rudberth Wolffe commemorating this year’s Summer Olympic Games. The individual stamps combine into a unified piece comprised of 4 stamps, which can only be obtained as a first day issue; this will come out on April 5.
Over the year there will be 10 special ensembles with a variety of island themes, the first two dedicated to local fauna. “Eagles” by noted artists Elvis Tromp, were issued on January 19; their value is 10 Aruban florins ($5.57) per stamp. The next issue, by Edith van der Waal, which will be on February 21, has the theme of “Goats.”
Their value is 4 Aruban florins ($2.20.) Here you can see a sample of the original art that will be part of the new issues.
Commemorative issues are offered for up to 2 years from the first day or as long as supplies last. Full collectors’ ensembles are only available at the Philately Desk in Post Aruba headquarters, across from the San Francisco Church in Oranjestad.
