2012 displayed philatelic beauty to tourists, trekkers and excursionists in Bhutan.Although a small Kingdom, Bhutan continues to display the richness and diversity of philatelic beauty to the outside world
Bhutan introduced its first postal stamp when the first motor able road was built in 1962. Ever since Bhutan has been appreciated for unique stamps ranging from metallic stamps to 3D stamps. Bhutan has come a long way and launched varieties of stamps. Today, any tourists and excursionists can have easy access to booklets on stamps including the perfumed stamps with illustrations of animals, insects and birds.
Bhutan Post’s head of philatelic bureau head, Yeshi Pelden said most Bhutanese stamps depict the nation’s fortress architecture, Buddhist heritage, wildlife and sports. “Since 1962, Bhutan Post issued numerous unique stamps,” she said. “In absence of postage stamp prior to 1962, revenue stamps were used.”
Coin-like stamps were issued in 1966, 1968 and lastly in 1975 while perfume-infused rose stamps were issued in 1973. The 3D stamps were first released in 1967 depicting astronauts and lunar modules. From 1968 to 1876, various other 3D stamps with butterflies, fish, birds, insects, paintings, and animals were subsequently released.
Unique moulded plastic 3D stamps of ancient artifacts and famous personalities were also released on 1971 and 1972. Famous personalities who have also appeared on Bhutanese stamps were Elvis Presley (2003), Princess Diana (1982, 2003), Gandhi (1969, 1972, 1998), John F. Kennedy (1972, 2002), Queen Elizabeth (2002), Mother Teresa (1998) and Albert Einstein (2000).
Since 1993, Chinese new year stamps were also released. While animals and flowers appear often on Bhutanese stamps, disney characters on stamps were also issued from 1982 to 1991.
It was in 2008 when Bhutan Post released the first CD-ROM postage stamps in partnership with Creative Products International, a company headed by Frances Todd Stewart, the daughter of the legendary Burt Todd. The second CD-ROM stamp was released the following year.
Coinciding with the coronation of the fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on November 6, 2008, Bhutan Post issued the first personalised stamp template sheetlets with texts on coronation and the celebrations.
Similarly on the occasion of the royal wedding in October 2011, a set of two personalized stamp sheet lets were also issued, both with exactly the same design and value but in different colors.
