The Kingdom of Bhutan, located in the Himalayan Mountains between China and India, has some of the world’s most unusual and highly collectible postage stamps. As a stamp collector in the 1970s I recall first learning about the Himalayan kingdom and Fortress of the Gods after discovering their “talking stamp.” Since then Bhutan and other world countries created postage stamps that appealed to the world collector’s market while bringing in needed revenues from stamps sales. It would take 20 years before the U.S. Postal Service would begin purposely creating stamps designed to stimulate collector interest.
The world’s first “talking stamp” (above) was released in April 1973. It’s a tiny vinyl record, that when played at 78 rpm, included the Bhutanese national anthem and a brief history of the country.
Silk stamp (above) from Bhutan
Scented stamps (above)
Now Bhutan has released “the world’s first CD-ROM stamps“. According to Time Magazine:
Now come the world’s first CD-ROM stamps. Self-adhesive wrappers contain documentaries marking the 100th anniversary of Bhutan’s monarchy and its shift toward parliamentary democracy. And at nearly 4 sq. in. (26 sq cm), these stamps aren’t just pushing the envelope.
Want your own a stamp from Bhutan? Visit here.
Related links:
Bhutan: Fortress of the Gods
Bhutan – Mountain Fortress of the Gods displayed more than 500 objects in order to provide a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of this country.
Postage From The Edge: Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan Ranks High in Philatelic Firsts
By Gabe Oppenheim, Washington Post Staff Writer
~MadSilence the Senior
3 Comments
September 14, 2008 at 6:25 am
So unique! So creative!
September 14, 2008 at 8:12 am
The commemorative CD stamps are such a kick – I wish i was 10 years old again, but never mind, I’ll order a set because I love stamps and always have and have them as a gift for my grand-daughter to see if she develops a mania for these bright beauties. G
October 4, 2008 at 5:02 am
I work with The Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, Virginia. They’re starting to put some of their stamp collection online- it’s really pretty and there’s a little game. Just thought you might like it.
http://www.mariner.org/astamponhistory/