MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ Darwin issue ranked ninth most popular stamps of the year

The Falkland Islands Charles Darwin stamp issue has achieved ninth position out of thousands of releases during 2009 according to the latest edition of the international publication Stamp and Coin Mart which for the first time lists the 50 most popular stamps of the year, voted by readers and stamp experts.

The Falklands Darwin issue coincides almost exactly with the 150th anniversary of the publication of “On the Origin of Species”, which was underlined by the prestigious Stamp and Coin Mart.

This year has seen numerous Darwin issues released around the world “but”, the article continues “ it is the Falklands set which impressed us, thanks to the intriguing story the stamps tell, charting the groundbreaking scientist’s journey to the islands on HMS Beagle, and the now extinct species he recorded during his stay”.

For the Falkland Islands to be credited with the best Darwin issue of the year is a great achievement.

Falklands’ Postmaster Moira Eccles was delighted to be able to report this exciting news to a meeting of the Stamp Advisory Committee on Tuesday.

Developed from Darwin’s accounts and specimens, with reference to contemporary paintings and the knowledgeable assistance of experts such as Dr Phil Stone and the National Trust, Moira is certain that all involved with the production of the issue will be equally thrilled.

Appearing in the top 10, alongside the USA, Australia, UK and other European Countries (including the UN with the best stamp of the year) the Falklands is joined by South Georgia, achieving a noteworthy eighth position with the release of its new Shackleton Definitive.

Both issues are on sale at the Philatelic Bureau in Stanley, Falklands’ capital. Those who might have missed them or who might like to begin a collection of Falkland Islands or South Georgia Stamps can view them on line at www.falklandstamps.com