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In1952, why was the 12 Lire Basilica Surcharge stamp created?

Scott # 154 (1952)


   Donation to Pope
   Change in External Postal Rate
   For Picture Postcards
   Air Mail Fee

Your answer was: Change in External Postal Rate.
You are correct!!


Answer: On February 1, 1952 the Vatican Post Office issued a surcharge postage stamp to be used for picture postcards (with a greeting message of 5 words or less) and printed matter (weighing less than 50 grams) sent to countries other than Italy. The rate remained in effect until September 30, 1957.

See also:
 • Greg Pirozzi, 12 Lire Basilica Surcharge, Vatican Stamps, Volume 39 Issue 5, 1991, Page 7
 • Anonymous, Principal Vatican Postal Rates from 1950 to 1966 (in Lire), Vatican Stamps, Volume 55, Issue 1, 2006, Page: 4


Postcard with 1952 Scottt # 154 stamp; machine postmark cancellation dated 05/13/1952;
the CASA PALLOTTI is a hotel stamp and is not a postal marking;
the message on this postcard meets the 5 word or less limit