Gozo Bishop to present Pope with gold replica stamp

A gold replica of the San Gorg Preca Lm1/€2.33 stamp will be presented to Pope Benedict XVI by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech during the canonisation ceremony of the first Maltese saint on Sunday at the Vatican.

This first gold replica stamp is one of only three minted for this occasion. Of the other two, one is to be auctioned at a later date, with proceeds going to the Dar tal-Providenza, and the third is being retained by Maltapost for eventual exhibition in the Maltapost postal museum.

The gold replica stamp was handed over to Bishop Grech by Maltapost CEO Joseph Gafà at Malta International Airport yesterday, shortly before Mgr Grech's departure for Rome.

Meanwhile, Maltapost has also issued, for the first time, a limited edition of 2,000 silver replica stamps bearing the same image of Dun Gorg, in one of his characteristic poses, with the chapel of the society of Christian doctrine in the background.

This stamp weighs 20 grammes and is being issued in brilliant uncirculated (proof-like) condition. Its size is 35mm x 35mm, with a thickness of 1.53mm.

Struck in 99.9 per cent silver and individually numbered, the silver stamp is available in a presentation box and with a certificate of authenticity, and will sell for Lm15/€34.94, VAT included.

In addition to this silver replica stamp, Maltapost also issued a two-stamp set showing identical images of Dun Gorg and the chapel. The stamps are designed by Edward Pirotta and offset printed by Printex Limited of Qormi on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper. The face values are 8c/€0.19 and Lm1/€2.33.

The stamps are 35mm x 35mm in size with a perforation of 14.28 x 14.28, and will be available in sheets on 10 stamps.

Additional information regarding both the silver replica stamp and the two-stamp set is available from the Philatelic Bureau of Maltapost (tel. 2596 1747, e-mail philately@maltapost.com), from the Maltapost website www.maltapost.com, or from any Maltapost postal retail outlet in Malta and Gozo.