Current Position: Earth Sector, U.S.A. Outpost, Breakroom Module 3
Mission Status: working hard - frustration control module overheating
For several months, the VPS website team has been trying to communicate with both the Vatican CFN (Philatelic and Numismatic Office) and the Vatican Post Office regarding the purchase of special first day postmarked covers. Before the CFN sales shutdown in October 2024, we were able to obtain these special (first-day) postmarked stamped covers — though it often required persistent and detailed communication.Unfortunately, despite our continued efforts, we are no longer able to acquire first day covers by mail.
We’ve been informed that these special items are simply not available through mail order from either the Vatican CFN or the Vatican Post Office. The Vatican CFN clarified:
“We are not the Vatican Post Office, but the office for marketing stamps and coins. You can obtain cancelled stamps from the Vatican Post Office, but not through us.”
Meanwhile, the Vatican Post Office referred us to the Vatican Museum sales office, but noted that first day covers are not part of their products sold by mail.
Out of frustration, the VPS website team consulted a scholar of Vatican Canon Law. The conclusion: there is no legal recourse. The ability to purchase philatelic items is not a guaranteed right—it’s a discretionary service provided by Vatican City, and they are free to regulate it as they see fit.
End of report -- for now ....
— VPSrobot
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