P22 - souvenir sheet: set of 4 stamps; bottom margin shows the unissued 10-cuartos black stamp the 1-real "CORROS" error stamp

(PI 00) collectors' souvenir - 2 blocks of 4 of the set of 4 stamps, (the block at left is imperforate and the block at right is perforated)

The Philippines was the first country in Asia to issue postage stamps. The first set of 4 stamps were issued on February 1, 1854. It resulted from a Royal Decree of Queen Isabella II, issued in Madrid, Spain, dated 
January 12, 1853 and acted upon in Manila by Captain General Antonio Orbiztondo on December 7, 1853. The Decree instructed the Captain General to print and put on sale stamps for use within the Philippines. The designs copied that which were issued in Spain in 1853 showing the bust of Queen Isabella II, with changes made in the year (reading "1854 y' 1855") and the currency values (20 cuartos equal to 1 real de plata).

The stamps were intended for interior use only. They were engraved in Manila in plates of 40 subjects (5 x 8), producing 40 different types. They were printed by Plana, Jorba y Lia, Plaza de Binondo, Manila, and issued imperforate.

The 5-cuartos stamps were for mails under half-an-ounce (single weight interior rate). Only 1 plate was used, but it underwent several re-touchings and re-engravings during printing. 5,000 stamps were printed in shades of orange, brown-orange and red-orange.

The 10-cuartos stamps were for mails between half-an-ounce and one ounce (double interior postage rate). Three plates were used to print this value. Atotal of 5,000 stamps were printed in shades of carmine, crimson and rose. A 10-cuartos stamp in black was printed also, but was never issued.

The 1-real stamps were for mails between one ounce and one-and-a-half ounces (extra 10-cuartos fee for every half ounce or part of half ounce thereafter). Some say 2,000 were issued while others reported it to be 3,000 stamps, in shades of slate blue and ultramarine. On position 26 of each sheet is the much-sought-after error, wherein "CORREOS" was misspelled "CORROS".

The 2-reales de plata stamp was for registration fee. Quantity issued also differ, either 2,000 or 3,000, in shades of green, emerald-green and yellow green.

It  is  believed  that  there  were  second  printings  of  all  values,  most  probably  from redrawn or  re-touched  plates.  On  these  issues  the  groundwork around the Queen's head consists of much coarser lines, contrasting with the lighter, finer linework on the original printing.

This special limited-edition collectors' souvenir for the 150th anniversary of the first Philippine stamps issue is the first of its kind - a philatelic item with premium over the face values of the stamps. The proceeds from their sale are earmarked for the Philpost Philatelic Trust. The fund is intended to provide financial support for the promotion of Philippine philately, and it is hoped that the fund will eventually be enough to finance Philpost's participation in international philatelic exhibitions again. It will initially be used to provide additional supplies and materials needed by the Stamp designing Unit, including graphic computers. The fund will also be used to finance: 1) more stamp exhibitions in Metro Manila and the provinces, stamp lectures in schools and preparation of folders and other promotional items; 2) the purchase of Philippine stamps that the Philatelic Library needs for Philpost to have a respectable collection in exhibitions and research; and 3) other projects geared towards the promotion of Philippine philately.

This limited-edition souvenir is also valid for postage use, although its postage value is only P48, as compared to its PI 00 selling price.

The stamps, souvenir sheet, collectors' souvenir and official first day cover will be available starting February