 Iceland 2013-09-12 On September 12, 2013 Iceland Post issued a new stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the emergence of the volcanic island Surtsey. The stamp does not outwardly show a denomination, but the face value of a single stamp is ISK 565 (approx USD 4.70) appears to be valid for domestic service up to 1500 grams. The stamp is issued in sheets of ten, with two rows containing five stamps. Having a fascinating history, Surtsey island emerged from the ocean on November 14, 1963 in a volcanic eruption that continued until June 1967. At its largest the area of the island was about three sq.km., however it has been eroded by ocean waves and is now only about half of its initial size. A diverse amount of vegetation can be found on the island which now resembles its neighboring islands. The island is a model site for biocolonisation research. The island is rich in bird life with fulmars, black guillemot, gulls, puffins and other bird species. In 2008, Surtsey island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 This sheet which we introduced a few months ago is now available on the USPS.com web site for pre-order. A special $US 200 Inverted Jenny Collector’s Edition is also available for pre-order.
On September 22, 2013, the USPS is planning to issue a souvenir sheet with a re-designed Jenny Invert to commorate the opening of the Smithsonian’sNational Postal Museum opening of the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery — the world’s largest stamp gallery. This souvenir sheet features a new version of the most famous error in the history of U.S. stamps: the Inverted Jenny, a 1918 misprint that mistakenly showed a biplane flying upside down. Reprinted with a $2 denomination to make them easily distinguishable from the 24-cent originals, the Inverted Jennys on this sheet commemorate the many ways a single stamp can turn a moment in history upside down. The original engraved dies to produce the 1918 Inverted Jenny are being used in the design to produce the new stamps. In current press-release images, “the right side of the souvenir sheet shows a map of the northeastern United States that focuses on the route of the first regularly scheduled Air Mail service in May 1918. A compass rose, a common element on maps and nautical charts, appears in the lower right corner.”
The 42nd issue of The New CartoPhilatelist Journal will be sent to members in early July. This twenty page issue is filled with many interesting articles, news about the Society and new issue images.
For the first article in issue 42, Vice-President David Wolfersberger continues his in-depth look at the map stamps of the French Southern Antarctic Territories, examining the beautiful map stamps depicting the Crozet and Kerguelen Archipelagos. The stamps are highlighted by a number of detailed map images shown on maxi-card issues. Next up is a notice from Society Member Stuart Hamilton of Australia who introduces us to a selection of associated cartophilatelic and cartonumismatic issues. One recent issue from Australia commemorates the centenary of the foundation of Canberra. A very interesting connection between maps on stamps and maps on coins. If you know of more, please tell us! Next is a brief announcement about the major updates to the Society’s web site. This is followed by a fascinating, comprehensive article on Gronchi Rosa Forgeries by Paolo Vaccari. The translated article is sure to become one of the most definitive sources in English regarding this unique and highly sought after issue. We thank Paolo and VACCARI srl Filatelia for their support in the translation of this article. Tim Olmstead provides details of the voting results of the “All Star” baseball themed poll from issue 41, along with a new poll for the the January issue. Be sure to send Tim your choices! In the next article, European Representative Volker Woesner examines the unique theme of “Canals” on map stamps, with an interesting selection of issues from the Kiel, Suez and Panama canals. Incoming Society President Mark Honig describes some of the interesting maps to be found on the gutters of Falkland Island stamps, and also updates us with some Society News. A bio of Mark is also provided in this issue. Christina Stitt contacts the Society with some interesting map cancellations that she had in and exhibit. Thanks for sharing this information Christina! The final article in issue 42 is from Society Member Ap Koopman who examines that interesting feature known as the “Caprivi Strip” and its history and depiction on map stamps. A selection of new issue news and images complied by David rounds out this issue.
Just a quick, but important reminder for Journal submission dates. Our Editor, Martin Oakes, has chosen the following date as the deadline for article submissions to the Journal:
TNCP #43, October 2013, submission deadline: September 15, 2013
If you are interested in submitting an article please contact our Editor, Martin Oakes as soon as possible. Martin has informed us that articles are needed for the October issue!
The “TNCP Style Sheet – Instructions to Authors” has been updated, so please download a revised copy before starting to author an article.
Remember there are many options for Journal content and Martin will be happy to discuss them with you. The list three issues of the Journal have been 20 pages. This is due to the wonderful amount of content that members have been submitting. The added pages will continue, as long as there is sufficient material available. Remember if you have feedback, please be sure to share with Martin or use the general? Society contact form.
Issues 42 contained a fascinating in-depth article about the Gronchi Rosa Forgeries that was originally in Italian, and published by another philatelic journal. As the Society is international in scope, we have various members that can sometimes volunteer translation resources. The original publishers along with Society President Mark Honig and Journal Editor Martin Oakes worked a significant amount of time on refining the translation and adapting the format for our Journal. Their efforts really show! For those of you that have non-english articles and would like to see them translated and published in The New CartoPhilatelist please contact our Editor Martin Oakes.
Before the busy end of year arrives,
please consider writing an article for
The New CartoPhilatelist!
The Philatelic Bureau of San Marino is planning to issue a new souvenir sheet on June 7, 2013 that commemorates the 550th anniversary of the determination of borders between the Republic of San Marino and Italy. A proposed joint issue with Italy, the € 5.45 sheet depicts two regions prior to the “Patti di Fossombrone” (Pacts of Fossombrone) when in 1463 San Marino obtained the castles of Montegiardino, Fiorentino, Serravalle and Faetano resulting in the territorial borders that still exist today. The souvenir sheet contains four stamps in horizontal orientation. The background of the sheet shows the papal decree by which His Holiness Pius II ratified the “clauses of the previous agreements between San Marino and the papal legate Cardinal. ”
 San Marino (forthcoming 2013-06-07) 550th anniversary of the determination of borders with Italy.
 Queen Elizabeth Land, 2013-02 Announcement, status unknown New issue sleuth Mark Honig has alerted us to this supposed Feb 2013 issue from British Antarctic Territory marking the appellation of “Queen Elizabeth Land” last December 18th, 2012 by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This rough image depicts on the right of the sheet, a map of the newly named territory with a photo image of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the left. The sheet honors the Queen in her Diamond Jubilee Year. We are uncertain of the status of this sheet. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that the name “Queen Elizabeth Land” will be used in future on all British maps, however due to the unique status of Antarctica, as stated in the Antarctic Treaty, it will be up to other countries to recognize the name if they so choose. If anyone has any additional information about this issue, please contact Mark Honig
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Welcome to the CartoPhilatelic Society Celebrating our 71st Year as a Society. Come and Join Us!
The CartoPhilatelic Society has entered our 71st year as a Society! In 1955 a group of philatelists with a keen interest in map stamps founded the CartoPhilatelic Society. Today we carry on their passion for map stamps in the collections we assemble and the research we conduct.
Come and join us as we look forward to the future!
Web Site Last Updated:
June 15, 2026
A one year term of membership for the CartoPhilatelic Society runs April 1 through
March 31. Unless you have pre-paid for multiple years, or already renewed you dues, your membership has expired at the end of March 2026
If you have not yet renewed, please continue to support the Society and renew your dues for the April 2026 through March 2027 term as soon as possible.
A big "Thank You!" to all those members who have recently renewed their membership! The CPS appreciates your continued support and donations.
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