Issue date: 09 Oct, 2014
AMÉRICA UPAEP
In 1989 the member states of the PUASP (Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal) began issuing an annual stamp with a common theme, which has given rise to a very popular type of collecting among fans of philately. Their current issue is dedicated to Heroes and Leaders, in homage to and in memory of those who, for one reason or another, have become part of history.
The PUASP, whose headquarters are in Montevideo (Uruguay), is an organisation that integrates the shared objectives of the component countries in terms of postal matters. Among its main aims are; promoting a common postal service among the member states and encouraging cooperation for postal development. Likewise, the organisation also works on improving the quality of the services by using new information technologies and promotes collaboration projects among the different nations. It is currently made up of 28 countries.
The first issue of América Upaep (1989) [PUASP America] was dedicated to the Pre-Columbian Peoples and all the member states published stamps depicting themes related to these ancient cultures. Reproductions of sculpted wooden masks, ceramic objects, farming tools used by the indigenous peoples and images of the tales about the daily life of the natives are some of the prints on these first stamps.
Over these 25 years of emission, the themes of the América Upaep (PUASP America) series have progressed, turning to matters of general interest, such as the fight against AIDS, UNESCO World Heritage Properties, environmental protection, education for everyone, and renewable energy development.
Every four years, the international organisation agrees on the themes for the philatelic series, which should add to peoples’ understanding of each other, promote culture and peace, and establish bonds of friendship among the nations. All the stamps have to include the PUASP logo or emblem.
The Spanish Heroes and Leaders stamp is illustrated with the profiles of several anonymous individuals from different backgrounds, races and regions, in allusion to the people who have helped to change the course of history.
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.