The rare Basel Dove stamp is a legendary stamp that is widely considered one of the most beautiful and valuable stamps ever created. The stamp was first issued in 1845 by the Canton of Basel in Switzerland, and it has since become an icon in the world of philately. In this article, we will explore the history and design of the Basel Dove stamp and its significance in the world of stamp collecting.
History of Basel Dove
The Canton of Basel issued the Basel Dove stamp in 1845 as a replacement for the existing stamps used in the area. At the time, Basel was a center of commerce, and the Canton needed a reliable and efficient way to deliver mail. The Basel Dove was the first stamp ever issued in Switzerland and one of the first stamps issued in Europe.
The stamp was designed by the Swiss architect Melchoir Berry, who was commissioned by the Canton of Basel to create a new stamp design. Berry’s design featured a white dove carrying a letter in its beak, with the words “STADT POST BASEL” (City Post Basel) printed below. The stamp was printed in three colors – blue, red, and black – and was sold in sheets of 100 stamps. It was the only stamp issued by the Canton of Basel, the first item to combine engraving and embossing, and it was the first stamp to depict a bird.
The Basel Dove was an immediate success, and it quickly became popular with collectors and the general public. However, the stamp’s popularity was short-lived. In 1854, the Canton of Basel joined the Swiss Postal System, and the Basel Dove stamp was replaced by the new Swiss stamps.
Design of Basel Dove
The Basel Dove stamp is widely considered one of the most beautiful stamps ever created. The stamp’s design is simple but elegant, with a white dove carrying a letter in its beak. The dove is set against a light background, with a decorative border and the words “STADT POST BASEL” printed below.
The stamp was printed in three colors – blue, red, and black – and each color was used for a specific denomination. The blue stamp was used for letters weighing less than a quarter of an ounce, the red stamp was used for letters weighing between a quarter and half an ounce, and the black stamp was used for letters weighing more than half an ounce.
The stamp’s design was innovative for its time, and it set the standard for future stamp designs. The use of a simple but striking image, combined with elegant typography and a decorative border, created a stamp that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Significance of Basel Dove
The Basel Dove stamp has become an iconic stamp in the world of philately. The stamp’s rarity and beauty have made it one of the most valuable stamps ever created, and it is highly sought after by collectors around the world.
The stamp’s rarity is due to its limited production. This rare stamp was only in use for nine years, and during that time, only 41,000 stamps were printed. Of those, only a few thousand are believed to have survived, and most of those are in poor condition. As a result, the Basel Dove stamp is considered a rarity in the world of stamp collecting, and it commands high prices at auction.
The stamp’s beauty is also a significant factor in its value. The stamp’s simple but striking design, combined with its vivid colors and elegant typography, make it a visually stunning piece of art. The stamp’s design has inspired countless other stamp designs, and it continues to be an influence in the world of graphic design.
Reason to collect Basel Dove
The Basel Dove stamp is a rare postage stamp that has captured the imagination of stamp collectors and the general public for over a century. Its rarity and beauty have made it one of the most valuable stamps ever created, and it continues to be a sought-after item for collectors around the world. The stamp’s simple but striking design has set the standard for future stamp designs, and it remains a significant piece of graphic design. A pair of these exceptional and historical stamp was sold by Rapp auction house at a price of $109,878.00 on 26th November, 2014.