Issue date: 11 Oct, 2010
Following the agreement by the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal (UPAEP) signed decades ago, country members of this organization annually issue a stamp with a common theme which this year is devoted to the National Symbols. They comprise all emblems, symbols, images and icons that identify and represent members of a country, such as the flag, coat of arms and the national anthem.
The flag of Spain, "is made up of three horizontal stripes: red, yellow and red, the yellow stripe being twice the size of each red stripe." The current flag was adopted on October 5th 1981, after changing the coat of arms. The design is the same as that of 1785, and only the coat of arms has suffered variations. Legislation states that "it should be flown outdoors and occupy a prominent place in the interior of all buildings and establishments of the central government and the institutional, regional, provincial, insular or municipal Administration."
The Spanish coat of arms is regulated by Law 33/1981 of 5 October, and it is the heraldic symbol of the State. In the course of history it has suffered many changes and the elements that make it up have a tradition of more than nine centuries. The institutional use of it is regulated and it is used by the government and State institutions.
Except in the Second Republic the national anthem has been played non stop in Spain since the eighteenth century. It is from an unknown author and was declared March of Honour in 1770 by king Carlos III, but it was the popular custom which turned it into an anthem. It is regulated by Royal Decree 1560/1997 of 10th October.
The design of the America UPAEP stamps is open to interpretation for each country. In the case of Spain it features the national flag in the form of a sash or ribbon outlining the map of Spain and the national coat of arms inside it.
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.