Special Delivery Stamps of 1929
Conciliation Issue
Scott E1-E2
The first stamps issued for special delivery (Express) service, were released on Aug. 1, 1929, as part of the initial set. Like the lire values of the regular' stamps, both the 2-lire, carmine-rose, and 2-1/2 lire, dark blue values portray Pope Pius XI.
Special Delivery Stamps of 1933
Aerial View of Vatican City
Scott E3-E4
The second set was issued in 1933, and its two denominations depict an aerial view of the Vatican City State. This plot, small as it is, was described by Pope Pius XI as "that much territory as we need as a basis of sovereignty; that much without which we could not exist .. . that much body required to keep the soul together." Recess-engraved, values are 2-lire, rose-red and brown, and 2-1/2 lire, deep blue and brown.
Special Delivery Stamps of 1945
Aerial View of Vatican City
Scott E5-E6
In 1945 the same design was used for 3-1/2-lire, carmine and ultramarine, and 5-lire, ultramarine and green denominations.
Special Delivery Stamps of 1946
Aerial View of Vatican City
Scott E7-E8
In 1946, the stamps issued in 1945 were overprinted to change their values to 6 and 12-lire, respectively.
Special Delivery Stamps
Council of Trent Issue
Scott E9-E10 (1946)
Two more special delivery stamps were issued as part of the Council of Trent series. The 6-lire, dark green, portrays Matteo Giberti, Bishop of Verona, originator of the modern care of souls. In his diocese he patterned his model of Reform after that of the Fathers of the Council. The 12-lire, copper brown, portrays Casper Contarini (1438-1542 ), nobleman of Venice who was elevated to a Cardinal from the lay state. As Bishop of Belluno he was noted for his action for the Reform and a great supporter of Pope Paul II's efforts for the Council.
Special Delivery Stamps
Basilicas Issue
Scott E11-E12 (1949)
In 1949, two of the "Basilicas" set were prepared for special delivery service. They are 40-lire, slate, an aerial view of St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and 80-lire, chestnut-brown, Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Archbasilica in Rome and Cathedral Church of the World.
Special Delivery Stamps
Popes and the Basilica Issue
Scott E13-E14 (1953)
In 1953, two of the "Pope of the Basilicas" set were prepared for special delivery service. The values are: 50-lire, green and brown, St. Peter and his tomb; 85-lire, orange and brown, Pope Pius XII and Roman Sepulchre.
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