Croatia: Football - Silver Medal at the FIFA World Cup 2018

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Final took place on 15 July 2018 to determine the winners of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The match was contested by France and Croatia, and held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia. France won the match 4–2, having taken a 2–1 lead during the first half on an own goal and penalty awarded by the video assistant referee (VAR), both firsts in a World Cup final. However, to win the silver medal was a huge success for coach Zlatko Dalić and his croatian team. Because of this Hrvatska Post issued this nice minisheet shown on the cover below sent from the capital of Croatia Zagreb.

Stamp:
Football - Silver Medal at the FIFA World Cup 2018 (m/s) - Issued: 31-08-2018


Many thanks to Maja for this nice Cover!

South Korea: 100th Anniversary of the Chung-Ang University (CAU)

Chung-Ang University (also known as CAU) is a Korean private university based in Seoul, South Korea. There are two different campuses.  Starting as a church-run kindergarten in 1918, CAU transformed into a school for female kindergarten teachers in 1922 and was granted university status in 1953. The university claims 2018 to be its centennial. It has 33,600 undergraduates, 5,200 graduates, 700 professors and 500 more part-time teaching staff.

I'm very happy to receive this nice cover with First-Day Cancellation for my Universities Collection.

Stamps:
2x The 100th Anniversary of the Chung-Ang University - Issued: 03-09-2018


Many thanks to Choonjong for this nice Cover!

The 100th Anniversary of the Chung-Ang University

Mexico: National Football Team

For this year's Football World Cup in Russia a special Se-tenant stamp was issued from Mexico Postal Service. On these two stamps you can see the National Team of Mexico (Spanish: Selección de fútbol de México). In their first 2018 World Cup match they won against 2014 World Cup Winner Germany. They advanced to the knockout stage where they lost 2-0 against Brazil.

Stamp:
National Football Team of Mexico - Issued: 04-06-2018


Many thanks to Carlos for this nice Cover!

France: EUROPA 2018 "Bridges"

The french stamp for the 2018 EUROPA theme "Bridges" is dedicated to the two bridges over the Rhine river, linking France to Germany.  The Europe's Bridge (on the right on the stamp), inaugurated in 1960, is the only road bridge connecting Strasbourg in France with the city of Kehl in Germany. The Deux Rives' footbridge (on the left on the stamp), or Mimram footbridge (named after its architect Marc Mimram) was inaugurated in 2004 to connect the two parts of the Deux Rives' garden. The bridge is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, composed of two decks connected in its center by a platform which offers an original point of view on the Rhine river.

The Cover was canceled with a special postmark from the "33e Congress de la Marcophilie Naval" held from 26th to 27th May 2018 in Lyon.

Stamp:
EUROPA 2018 "Bridges" - Issued: 18-05-2018


Many thanks to Eric for this nice Cover!

Latvia: The Flag (&) Map of Latvia

To mark the centenary of the Latvian state, Latvijas Pasts issues a special stamp Flag – Map of Latvia. This is the first stamp of irregular shape released in Latvia, and it is designed as an outline of the map of Latvia. After centuries of Swedish, Polish and Russian rule, a rule mainly executed by the Baltic German aristocracy, the Republic of Latvia was established on 18 November 1918 when it broke away and declared independence from Russia in the aftermath of World War I.

Stamps:
2x The Flag (&) Map of Latvia  - Issued: 09-03-2018

Finland: "Tom of Finland"

Touko Valio Laaksonen (8 May 1920 – 7 November 1991), best known by his pseudonym Tom of Finland, was a Finnish artist known for his stylized highly masculinized homoerotic fetish art, and for his influence on late twentieth century gay culture. During his career, Tom of Finland produced more than 3,500 drawings. The two drawings on the stamp sheet were selected by graphic artist Timo Berry, who designed the stamp, and Susanna Luoto, the Finnish representative of the foundation named after Tom of Finland operating in Los Angeles. The drawings on the stamp sheet represent strong and confident male figures typical of their designer.

Stamp:
Tom of Finland (sheet of 3 domestic stamps) - Issued: 08-09-2014


Many thanks to Kimmo for sending me the sheet on a cover!

Indonesia: 2018 Asian Games

The 2018 Asian Games (Indonesian: Pesta Olahraga Asia 2018), officially known as the 18th Asian Games, XVIII Asiad and also known as Jakarta–Palembang 2018, was a pan-Asian multi-sport event held from 18 August to 2 September 2018 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang. For the first time, the Asian Games were co-hosted in two cities; the Indonesian capital of Jakarta (which is hosting the Games for the first time since 1962), and Palembang, the capital of the South Sumatera province. Almost 12.000 Athletes participated in over 40 sports and 465 Events.

I'm very happy to receive several Covers with the commemorating stamps for this event from my indonesian friends. Thanks a lot!

A set of 9 stamps (denomination Rp 3000 each) was issued, including 2 minisheets (den. Rp 15000).

* here with special first-day of issue postmark

Stamps:
2018 Asia Games (from a set of 9) + m/s - Issued: 18-01-2018

Japan: The 150th Anniversary of Japan-Sweden Diplomatic Relations

2018 is the year that marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sweden in 1868. This special Anniversary year will be celebrated through a range of activities in both Japan and Sweden. Sweden was one of the first countries to have established relations with Japan in the Meiji era. Because of this special occasion Japan Post issued a set of 10 stamps. Each one of them is showing something typical for the country.

I'm happy to receive two of these stamps on a cover sent from Nihonbashi Post Office with very nice first-day-cancellations.

Stamps:
The 150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Sweden 2018 (from a set of 10) - Issued: 02-08-2018


Many thanks to Mitsuhiko for this nice cover!

India: Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Banaras Hindu University (short: BHU), formerly Central Hindu College, is a public central university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya.With over 30,000 students residing in campus, it claims the title of largest residential university in Asia. BHU is organised into 6 institutes and 14 faculties (streams) and about 140 departments. As of 2017, the total student enrollment at the university is 27,359 coming from 48 countries.

I'm very happy to receive this cover sent from Nagpur Post Office with special first-day cancellation.

Stamps:
2x Banaras Hindu University (full set) - Issued: 28-06-2017 with First-Day-Cancellation


Thanks a lot to Kevin for this nice Cover!

China: "The 200th Anniversary of Karl Marx (1818-2018) - FDC"

Like Vietnam, also China issued a stamp this year to the 200th Anniversary of Karl Marx. Actually they issued two stamps. One stamp shows Marx himself and the other depicts Marx and Friedrich Engels. Both stamp together with a denomination of 2.4 yuan. The postage is completed with 1.60 yuan as machine cancel. I'm very happy to receive this cover on its first day of issue.

Stamp:
The 200th Anniversary of Karl Marx (1818-2018) (full set) - Issued: 05-05-2018


Many thanks to Xu Wei for this nice Cover!

Norway: EUROPA 2018 "Bridges"

On the norwegian stamp for this year's EUROPA theme you can see Hardanger Bridge. The Hardanger Bridge is not just Norway’s longest suspension bridge - it is also the eighth longest bridge of its type in the entire world. The main span is an impressive 30 m longer than that of the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The Hardanger Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridge projects in Norway’s history. The towers reach 200 m above sea level, and the maximum deck height is 55 m. It was officially opened in August 2013.

Stamp:
EUROPA 2018 "Bridges" (m/s) - Issued: 20-04-2018


Thanks a lot Rune for this great cover!

Greenland: EUROPA - "Castles"

We have seen many beautiful castle stamps for the 2017 EUROPA theme. Even Greenland issued two stamps for this theme. But there is a problem, in Greenland, there aren’t any castles...but like Finland, Greenland Post has found a very creative solution to this by illustrating beautiful castles from Greenland’s nature on their issue. This nice cover was sent from the city of Nuuk.

Stamps:
EUROPA (full set) - Issued: 15-05-2017




UPDATE 09/2018:

I recently received another cover with these nice stamps. This cover was sent from Tasiilaq. Thanks a lot Rosmarie!

Stamps:
EUROPA (full set) - Issued: 15-05-2017

Spain: EUROPA 2018 "Bridges"

The stamp issued by Spanish Postal Administration for this year's EUROPA theme shows the Puente de la Maza in San Vicente de la Barquera (Cantabria). It was built in the 15th and 16th century. Its famous for its 28 arches which are illustrates also on this stamp. It is said that if you cross the bridge and hold your breath you make a wish and it will come true.

Stamp:
EUROPA "Bridges" - Issued: 23-04-2018


Many thanks to Ricardo for this great Cover!

Åland: EUROPA 2018 "Bridges"

The Åland 2018 Europa stamp shows the small Bomarsund Bridge, one of only two arch bridges in Åland. The bridge was completed in 1958 and connects Bomarsund with the Prästö island in the Sund municipality. I'm happy to receive this nice cover with a postmark from Sund Postoffice.

Stamp:
EUROPA "Bridges" - Issued: 09-05-2018

Germany: EUROPA 2018 "Bridges" - FDC

This year's theme for the EUROPA stamps is Bridges. On this cover you can see the german stamp. It features the so-called "Rheinkniebrücke" in Düsseldorf in the front and, if you look carefully, the Oberkasseler Brücke in the background. These bridges are two of the of the 7 bridges built (between 1951 and 2002) in Düsseldorf to cross the Rhine river.

To note the label on the left. It is part of the Deutsche Post environmental protection program "GoGreen". If you put this label on your covers you can neutralise your CO2-Emisions which arise from delivery. You can buy these labels in the Deutsche Post Shop in a set of 36 for 1,80 EUR.

Stamp:
EUROPA "Bridges" - Issued: 03-05-2018 with First-Day-Cancellation

Vietnam: "The 200th Anniversary of Karl Marx (1818-2018) - FDC"

Karl Marx (5 May 1818 – 14 March 1883) was a German philosopher, economist, historian, political theorist, sociologist, journalist and revolutionary socialist. Marx thought that if a place that works together runs on wage-labor, then there would always be class struggle. Marx thought that this class struggle would result in workers taking power. He believed that no one should have power over another, that everyone should be equal. His most famous book was the Communist Manifesto. He wrote it together with Friedrich Engels in 1848. It is about the ideas and aims of communism. His ideas are called Marxism. His most important work is 'Das Kapital', or The Capital. It is commonly known in English as simply 'Capital.' He spent many years working on the three parts of the book. 'Das Kapital' describes how "capitalism" works and the problems it creates, such as division of labour and exploitation.

I'm very happy to receive this nice FDC from Vietnam sent on 05th May (Marx's Date of Birth) from Ha Noi.

Stamps:
6x 200th Anniversary of Karl Marx - Issued: 05-05-2018


Many thanks for this perfect cover Pham Ngoc Son!

Iceland: Iceland Qualifies for World Cup 2018

The 16th of June was a historic date for Icelandic sport history. On that date Iceland played its first ever World Cup match against Argentina (2x World Cup Winner!). The match ended 1:1, which can been seen as a big surprise. (This year the FIFA World Cup takes place in Russia and was opened on 14th June with a match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.)
It's was an remarkable achievement for the national soccer team of Iceland to qualify for this years World Cup. Iceland with its 346.000 inhabitants becomes the smallest nation ever to participate in the World Cup. To celebrate this achievement a stamp was put into circulation on 26th April 2018 and I'm very happy to receive a cover with two stamps on it (domestic value) sent from the capital of Iceland.

Stamps:
2x Iceland Qualifies for World Cup 2018  - Issued: 26-04-2018

Poland: Champion Kamil Stoch

Kamil Wiktor Stoch (born 25 May 1987) is a Polish ski jumper. He is one of the most successful ski jumpers from Poland, as well as in the history of the sport, having won two overall World Cup titles, two consecutive Four Hills Tournaments, three individual gold medals at the Winter Olympics, individual and team gold at the Ski Jumping World Championships, and individual silver at the Ski Flying World Championships. Stoch is only the second ski jumper in history, after german Sven Hannawald, to win the "grand slam" of all four competitions in a single Four Hills Tournament.

Stamps:
2x Champion Kamil Stoch - Issued: 14-04-2018

Malaysia: "Malaysian Citrus - FDC"

On April 24th Pos Malaysia issued a stamp series featuring the well-known lime flavours frequently used in Malaysian cooking. The three stamps issued - and seen on the first cover - are the Calamondin Lime or Limau Kasturi (60sen), Kaffir Lime or Limau Purut (60sen) and Key Lime or Limau Nipis (60sen). A very nice minisheet was also issued. It can be send on the second cover. The sheet is printed with a gloss varnish finishing to accentuate the pomelo’s flesh. I'm very happy to receive both official FDC's.

Stamps:
Malaysian Citrus (stamps + m/s) - Issued: 24-04-2018


Many thanks to Henry for this great Covers!

Germany: The 150th Anniversary of the Technical University of Munich (TUM)

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) (German: Technische Universität München) is a research university with campuses in the cities Munich, Garching and Freising-Weihenstephan. It is a member of TU9, an incorporated society of the largest and most notable German institutes of technology. TUM is ranked 4th overall in Reuters 2017 European Most Innovative University ranking. 16 Nobel Prize winners have studied, taught and researched at the TUM. The university was founded in 1868 to provide the state of Bavaria with a center of learning dedicated to the natural sciences. This year it celebrates its 150th Anniversary.

With official First Day Cancellation:

Stamps:
The 150th Anniversary of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) - Issued: 12-04-2018

Portugal: Cascais - 2018 European Youth Capital

The European Youth Capital (abbreviated EYC) is the title awarded to a European city for the period of one year, during which it is given the chance to showcase, through a multi-faceted programme, its youth-related cultural, social, political and economic life and development. The European Youth Capital is an initiative by the European Youth Forum, and the first capital was chosen in 2009. The current, capital for the 2018 calendar year is Cascais. It is a coastal town and a municipality in Portugal, 30 kilometres (19 miles) west of Lisbon. On this nice minisheet used on this letter from Portugal, you can see Saint Martha's Lighthouse and the House of Saint Mary (Casa de Santa Maria) in Cascais.

Stamp:
Cascais – European Youth Capital 2018 (m/s) - Issued: 08-09-2017


Many thanks to Antonio for this great cover!

Indonesia: Marine Life - Joint Issue with Singapore FDC

These nice stamps on this FDC from Indonesia were issued as a joint Issue between Singapore and Indonesia to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the bilateral ties between both countries. It follows a 2009 collaboration with stamps featuring tourist attractions of both countries. This time the stamps features coral reefs of both countries. Like the many interdependencies in coral reefs it was intended to reflect the many ways in which Singapore and Indonesia are working together.

I'm very happy to receive this FDC also with a special First-Day Cancellation from Bandung.

Stamps:
Marine Life - Joint Issue with Singapore - Issued: 07-09-2017


Many thanks to Jc for this nice FDC!

Faroe Islands: Flag Stamps

Today is a special day for all the people of the Faroe Islands. The 25th April is National Flag Day. On this day the people commemorates the British recognition of the Faroese flag during World War 2. The Merkið, as the flag is called in Faroese, was created by Faroese students in Copenhagen in 1919.

This cover from Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, is my first cover ever from this country, so I'm very happy to show it on this special date.

Stamps:
The 75th Anniversary of The Faroese National Flag (full Set) - Issued: 24-04-2015

Liechtenstein: Year of the Dog

Chinese new year started on Friday, February 16, 2018. The Dog (狗) is the eleventh of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. A Dog’s most defining characteristic is their loyalty. They will never abandon their friends, family or work. Famous people born in a year of the dog include:  Issac Newton (1643 – 1727), Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790) or Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965).

Like the years before, Liechtenstein Post issued a very nice stamp dedicated to Chinese New Year. It can be seen on this cover from Liechtenstein sent from the City of Triesen.

Stamp:
Chinese New Year "Year of the Dog" - Issued: 13-11-2017

Hong Kong: Weather Phenomena - "Registered Cover"

In collaboration with the Hong Kong Observatory, Hongkong Post issued a set of special stamps with the theme of "Weather Phenomena", introducing seven common weather phenomena in Hong Kong, namely rainbows, frost, clouds, lightning, fog, rain and typhoons. The stamp issue will help the public understand the changes in our weather. I'm very happy to receive this nice cover with almost the full set. Only the $ 5 "Rain" stamp is missing. The postage is completed with two stamps from the 2014 issued Definitives Series.

Stamps:
Weather Phenomena (5 from a set of 6) - Issued: 27-03-2014
Definitives Landscape of Hong Kong (from a set of 12) - Issued: 24-07-2014


Many thanks to Edward for this great Cover!

Luxembourg: Cycling Stamps

This Cover is all about Cycling. Both stamps used to frank this cover from Luxembourg are related to Cycling.

The right one was issued because in 2017 two stages of the Tour de France led trough Luxembourg.  On 3 July, the riders came across Luxembourg from north to south over 115 km. On 4 July the fourth stage started from Mondorf-les-Bains along the Mosel up to the French city of Vittel in the Vosges region.

The left one commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of the "Fédération des Sociétés Cyclistes Luxembourgeoises (FSCL)" (Luxembourgish Cycling Federation) in 1917. Today, Luxembourg is widely associated with cycling, not only, but because of the "Schleck Brothers", Andy and Fränk Schleck.

Stamps:
left: 100 years of the Fédération du Sport Cycliste Luxembourgeois (FSCL) - Issued: 04-07-2017
right: The 2017 Tour de France's starting stage in Mondorf-les-Bains - Issued: 04-07-2017

Slovakia: EUROPA - "Castles"

The stamp for the 2017 EUROPA Series of Slovakia depicting the Lietava castle in Northern Slovakia. The castle was built after 1241, most likely as an administrative and military centre. In the 16th century when the Thurzó family gained it, it was reconstructed and fortified, and given its own military garrison. After the death of Imre Thurzó in 1621, it was divided between his heirs. After the ownership disputes in 1641, they lost interest in it. The castle report in 1698 said that the castle was uninhabited and there was only an archive, which was moved to the Orava Castle (Hungarian: Árva) in the 1760s. After that, the castle was abandoned and not used any more. Today the castle is in the hands of the non-profit organisation Združenie na záchranu Lietavského hradu, which takes care of the castle and oversees it's conservation.

As you can see by the postmark on the left, this cover was sent during the International Stamp Fair in Sindelfingen 2017.

Stamp:
EUROPA - Castles - Issued: 05-05-2017

Germany: The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation - Joint Issue with Brazil

October 31, 2017 was the date of the 500th anniversary of the so-called "Reformation". On this date back in 1517, Martin Luther (1483-1546) pinned his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, which brought a series of reforms not only within the Christian religion, but also in all areas of life. Because of this special Occasion the German and the Brazilian Post jointly issued a stamp showing Martin Luther. I'm happy to receive not only the german stamp but also the brazilian one.  

German Version:

- with special First-Day of Issue Postmark

Stamp:

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation - Issued: 13-04-2017

Brazilian Version:

Stamp:
The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation - Issued: 13-04-2017


Many thanks to Helio for sending me this nice Cover!


On this card you can see an Illustration of Martin Luther pinned his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. The stamp on this card commemorates the the so-called "Luther-Bible".

Stamp:
Luther-Bible - Issued: 02-01-2017

Turkey: Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar - 2015 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry

Aziz Sancar (born 8 September 1946) is a Turkish-American biochemist and molecular biologist specializing in DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints, and circadian clock. In 2015, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Tomas Lindahl and Paul L. Modrich for their mechanistic studies of DNA repair. He has made contributions on photolyase and nucleotide excision repair in bacteria that have changed his field.  Sancar is currently the Sarah Graham Kenan Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Stamps:
Aziz Sancar - 2015 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry - Issued: 10-12-2015


Many thanks to Baris for this nice Cover!

USA: The History of Hockey

On October 20th the US Postal Service and the Canada Post jointly issued a stamp dedicated to one of the most famous sports in North America: Ice Hockey. In the 1800s, the sport truly began to take shape in Eastern Canada. By the late 19th century, the game had grown popular in the United States. American Malcolm Greene Chace became interested in the game and assembled a group of players from various universities. In 1896, a team from Yale, which included Chace, faced Johns Hopkins University in the first college hockey game. The National Hockey Association began play in 1910 and evolved into the National Hockey League in 1917.

I'm happy to receive some covers with this nice stamp with first-day cancellation and even one cover showing a very nice souvenir sheet.

Stamps:
The History of Hockey (stamps + m/s) - Issued: 20-10-2017


Many thanks to Richard, A.W. Welch and Geoffrey!