Guernsey Post’s philatelic bureau is delighted to commemorate 150 years of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) with four stamps marking some of the key moments in the organisation’s history (stamp issue date: 9 October 2024).

The UPU’s theme for its commemorative year – 150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations – recognises its accomplishments and reinforces its commitment to serve everyone for the decades and centuries to come.

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 unified 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.

Finally, the £1.68 stamp features a common design available to all 192 UPU member countries, showcasing the 150th anniversary logo. This stamp is intended for use on First Day Covers (FDCs) and Maximum cards, offering collectors a unique way to commemorate this milestone. In collaboration with Postcrossing, the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), and the UPU, this global initiative aims to delight collectors and enthusiasts worldwide through the exchange of these specially designed Maximum cards, celebrating 150 years of international postal cooperation.

The stamp products are available to order now at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on +44 (0)1481 716486.