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Vatican City Postage Stamps

 Collection
Identifier: SESC-0004

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of stamps issued by the Vatican City Post Office from its formation in 1929 through 2010. For stamps produced until 2006, the collection includes White Ace album pages with descriptive commentary and additional commentary provided by the donor.

Dates

  • Creation: 1929 - 2010

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Use of these materials requires an appointment. Contact archives@stedwards.edu

Conditions Governing Use

No materials belonging to the St. Edward’s University Archives and Special Collections may be published or exhibited, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Dean of the Library. Specific acknowledgement of the Munday Library Archives and Special Collections must appear in the printed publication or display. The library requests notification of publication or display and a complimentary copy of the published work. Photocopies or scans made of archival materials are intended for private research and permission to create these reproductions should not be taken as permission to publish. All responsibility for possible infringement of copyright law as a result of reproduction and use of these materials is assumed by the applicant. The researcher assumes full responsibility for complying with laws of libel and literary property rights which may be involved in their use. The Munday Library, at its discretion, may deny duplication of materials known to be covered by copyright that it does not own.

Requests for permission to publish should be sent to archives@stedwards.edu

Biographical / Historical

The Vatican City Post Office began operations in 1929 with equipment donated by the Italian government. An agreement between Vatican City and Italy allows the mail to be routed through Rome. The Philatelic and Numismatic Office of the Vatican City State is the authority which governs stamp production. The office has garnered a reputation among locals as being more efficient than the Italian post. In addition, the stamps issued are regarded by collectors as attractive and they are only available in limited quantities. The designs of the stamps vary widely and depict the Popes, papal mission trips, holy sites, revered artworks, and major dates in church history.

Extent

2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

A complete set of stamps issued by the Vatican City Post Office (Poste Vicante) since its founding in 1929 through 2010 and an assortment of first day covers from the same period.

Arrangement

Stamps are arranged chronologically by order of release. First day covers have not been arranged.

Custodial History

This collection was compiled by Carlson Chambliss.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Carlson Chambliss, Spring 2020 with additional donation of first day covers Summer 2021.

Appraisal

All materials present at the time of donation were retained. Excess pages and album box covers were removed and stored to make for a more streamlined display.

Accruals

No further accurals are expected.

Separated Materials

The four volumes containing stamps issued from 1929-2004 are on permanent display in the Tocker Reading Room. Stamps issued from 2005-2010 and first day covers are not mounted or on display but are available for viewing upon request. Slipcases and extra pages associated with the White Ace Albums were removed for display.

Processing Information

Processed by Travis Williams, Spring 2020.

Title
Vatican City Postage Stamps
Status
Completed
Author
Travis Williams
Date
April 2020
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Revision Statements

  • July 2021: Accrual of first day covers added.

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
3001 S. Congress Ave.
Austin TX 78704 USA