Frombork: A unique stamp with the image of Nicolaus Copernicus officially introduced into circulation
The Polish Post, in cooperation with the Frombork – Cathedral Complex Historical Monument Museum, today launched a postage stamp dedicated to this year's Nicolaus Copernicus Jubilee. The stamp features the likeness of the eminent astronomer and canon, based on a portrait found in the epitaph in the Frombork Cathedral Basilica.
The prize was presented at the Bishop's Palace in Frombork during the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the appointment of Canon Nicolaus Copernicus as Administrator of the Warmia Diocese Sede Vacante by the Warmia Cathedral Chapter.
The ceremonial presentation was attended by, among others: Andrzej Śliwka – Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets, Małgorzata Kopiczko – Senator of the Republic of Poland, Rev. Józef Górzyński – Metropolitan Archbishop of Warmia, Gustaw Marek Brzezin – Marshal of the Warmia-Masuria Voivodeship, Andrzej B. Piotrowicz – President of the Management Board of the Pomeranian Common Europe Association, Rev. Prof. Dr. hab. Andrzej Kopiczko, and Krzysztof Falkowski – President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska.
" Nicolaus Copernicus is one of the most famous Poles in the world. His discoveries can easily be called groundbreaking for humanity. It should therefore come as no surprise that Poczta Polska, which commemorates important figures and events, has not forgotten the commemoration of the birth anniversary of our eminent astronomer and canon. This year, we will dedicate three special issues to Nicolaus Copernicus – two stamps and an envelope with a printed postage mark. I am convinced that our publications will contribute to the popularization of knowledge about our eminent astronomer and clergyman, " emphasizes Krzysztof Falkowski, President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska.
The portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus used in the stamp design is part of the Frombork epitaph from the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Andrew. It was painted in oil on copper sheet, based on images of the astronomer found in the works of Nicolaus Reussner and Jacob Boissard. It is of great artistic value, as it is the only surviving image of Nicolaus Copernicus in Frombork – the city of the Polish explorer's most creative period and the final years of his life.
About the stamp:
Designer: Poczta Polska
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.90
Circulation: 128,000 pcs
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 45 x 45 mm, including a circle with a diameter of 40 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 8 stamps
Date of introduction into circulation: January 29, 2023
