The First Stamps Issued
By Vatican City

First Stamps Issued by the Vatican City State ("Conciliation Issue") Scott 1-13, E1-E2 (August 1, 1929) On August 1, 1929, the Vatican City Post Office opened with the issuance of its first set of stamps. Sometimes referred to as the "Conciliation Issue", the set consists of a total of fifteen stamps: 13 regular issue and 2 Espresso stamps. The first seven stamps contain the image of the Papal tiara and crossed keys of Saint Peter. The next six stamps show an image of Pope Pius XI, taken from a photograph by Felici. The Espresso stamps again show the photograph of Pope Pius XI, except these stamps are larger and rectangular in shape and display the 'Espresso' designation. All the stamps have the Roman numerals 'MCMXXIX", marking the year 1929. A postal agreement was signed between Italy and Vatican City on July 29, 1929, becoming effective on August 1, 1929, which codified the relationship whereby Italy would assist Vatican City in establishing its postal service. REFERENCE: Bolaffi's 1962 Specialized Stamp Catalog for the Roman States and Vatican City Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 1-13,E1-E2 Date Issued - 01 August 1929 Face Value - 5c, 10c, 20c, 25c, 30c, 50c, 75c, €1.25, 80c, 1.25 l, 2 l, 2.50 l, 5 l, 10 l, €1.25, 2 l, 2.50 l Perforations - 14 Printer - The Italian State Printers