MaltaPost has produced two stamps both related to Gozo for this year’s Euromed postage stamp issue with the theme – Maritime Archaeology & Historic Cities of the Mediterranean.

The stamp on marine archaeology reproduces an image of a shipwreck off the coast of Xlendi Bay, by the University of Malta / Dave Gration Project that took upon the discovery and excavation of the site in 2007 and subsequently explored in 2014.

This ancient shipwreck was found to include a 15m long Phoenician trading vessel dating to the 7th century, together with a handsome cache of ceramic amphorae lying partially exposed on the seabed.

Given the date of the wreck, the site was considered to be extremely well preserved. In 2014, marine archaeologists used an exploratory submarine with instruments and sensors that provided 3D photogrammetric images.

The second stamp shows a marked departure from the usual depictions of Gozo’s Citadel. This portrays the bell tower of the handsome baroque cathedral and surrounding buildings, lit up against a dusky sky, and in the foreground the dry-stone walling so characteristic of the Mediterranean. Typical of a fortified city, the Citadel stands out as Gozo’s primary landmark.

The stamps will be issued in a sheet of 10 stamps, each measuring 44mm x 31mm, with a comb perforation 14.0 x 13.09 (comb)and bearing the Maltese Cross watermark. The sheets measure 118mm x 185mm and were produced by Printex Ltd in the offset process. The issue consists of 100,000 of the €0.20c stamp and 30,000 of the €5.50 stamp.

These items will be available from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo from Monday, the 11th of July.

Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740, e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com

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