Issue date: 25 May, 2004
On the occasion of the World Philately Exhibition. España 2004 a block page of four "basic series" postage stamps, with face values of 0.27 € each and a sheet face value of 1.08€ is printed and issued in Valencia. The stamps show the updated likeness of His Majesty King Juan Carlos I. The logos of the ANFIL, ASCAT, FIP, IFSDA and FESOFI are reproduced in the central vignettes.
Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King of Spain on 22 November 1975. In December that year, the first stamps of his reign were issued. However, the first basic series did not come into circulation until 15th July 1976. This was followed by basic series in 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004 (January) and the one concerning us today. Since he was proclaimed king, the likenesses of the Spanish king, Queen and members of the Royal Family have appeared in the following issues: First visit to America by Their Majesties Juan Carlos I and Sofía and the Visit to Latin America by the King and Queen of Spain (1976); Felipe de Borbón. The Prince of Asturias (1977); Visit to Latin America by the King and Queen of Spain House of Borbón (1978); Prince of Asturias and the Niño Jesús Hospital (1979); Armed Forces Day. Swearing of Loyalty to the Flag and Centenary of the Lawyer's Corps. Alfonso XII and Juan Carlos (1981); International Philately Exhibition, "España 84". Royal Family (1984); 50th Anniversary of the birth of Their Royal Highnesses King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía (1988); International Organisations. King Juan Carlos I on the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations and issue of H.M. King Juan Carlos I (1995); Espamer 96. Spanish Royal Family (1996); H.M. King Juan Carlos I (1998); 150th Anniversary of Spanish Stamps. King Juan Carlos (2000); Portrait of Her Royal Highness. María de las Mercedes de Borbón y Orleans, mother of H.M. the King (2000); 25th Anniversary of the Accession of H.M. King Juan Carlos I (2001) and the 25th Anniversary of the Spanish Constitution. Portrait of H.M. the King (December, 2003).
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.