We are delighted to commemorate 150 years of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) with four stamps marking some of the key moments in its history, along with an exciting initiative celebrating the UPU’s important milestone.
The 65 pence stamp depicts the founding members of the General Postal Union, which later became known as the Universal Postal Union. Held in Bern, Switzerland in 1874, delegates from 22 countries signed the Treaty of Berne which brought together a complex maze of postal services and regulations.
In 1906, the UPU created the International Reply Coupon (IRC) during the Rome Congress (£1.20 stamp). IRCs may be exchanged between the countries of which the administrations have agreed to participate. Since they became available in 1907, the appearance of the IRC has changed several times, with nine different models and 21 iterations.
Located in Berne, home to the UPU’s headquarters, the UPU Monument Around the World was created by the French sculptor René de Saint-Marceaux (£1.36 stamp). It was inaugurated on October 4, 1909, after de Saint-Marceaux won an international competition in which more than 120 artists participated.
The central image of the monument – the five women passing letters around a globe – was adopted as the UPU emblem several decades ago and symbolises international postal communication.
As part of the 150th anniversary of the UPU’s celebrations, Postcrossing, the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) and the UPU are launching a global initiative - A Maximum card for maximum worldwide fun - on 9 October, the UPU’s founding date, which is celebrated as World Post Day (£1.68 stamp).
The campaign will benefit posts, collectors, associations, and the general public, helping to achieve even greater visibility for philately.
