Picture / Promotion / Stamps & Commemorative Cancellations / Proofs of Tourist Stamps Series
Proofs of Tourist Stamps Series
Δοκίμια οριστικής έκδοσης Τουριστική
In 1961, the General Directorate of Greek Post Office released a set of 17 tourist stamps highlighting Greece's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Designed by the renowned engraver A. Tassos, the stamps masterfully depicted iconic Greek monuments, archaeological sites, and architectural landmarks spanning ancient Greek, Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods. The selection included both island and mainland locations, inviting visitors to experience Greece’s timeless charm. Specifically, the stamps featured the Palace of King Minos at Knossos in Crete, the Lions of the Naxians in Delos, the Temple of Hera at Olympia, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, the Athenian Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, and the Columns of Olympian Zeus in Athens. Additionally, they depicted edifices built by the Knights of St. John in the old town of Rhodes, the Byzantine monasteries at Meteora, Thessaloniki (St. Aikaterini), and Mount Athos (St. Dionysios), the Castle of Ioannina, the Church of Panaghia Paraportiani in Mykonos, and scenes from Hydra’s and Santorini’s ports, Kastoria town and lake Orestias. The certified plate proofs provide insights into the approval process, which began in November 1959 and concluded in August 1960. They bear the signatures of the artist and the Council of Stamp Approval, the printing plate numbers (1A and 1B), and, in some cases, the seal of the General Directorate of Posts of the Kingdom of Greece. The perforated stamp set was officially issued in sheets of 50 on February 15, 1961, following the publication of a booklet by Hellenic Post. This booklet aimed to promote tourism by featuring historical narratives and contemporary photographs of the selected sites alongside images of the stamps.
Proofs of Tourist Stamps Series
Δοκίμια οριστικής έκδοσης Τουριστική
Commissioner: General Directorate of Greek Posts
Designer: A. Tassos (1914-1985)
Printer: Aspioti-ELKA
Manufacturer of gravure plates: Thomas DeLaRue & Co, LTD.
Stamp Proof
Postal and Philatelic Museum
Contributors:
Postal and Philatelic Museum
References
Greek Post Office booklet, Set of 17 Tourist Stamps designed by A. Tassos, Aspioti-Elka Graphic Arts Co. Ltd., Athens, 15th Feb., 1961.