Guernsey in the Channel Islands has issued stamps to honor two British Queens, Victoria and Elizabeth II, who visited the Guernsey shores during their reigns.
Queen Victoria acceded to the British throne at the age of 18 and ruled from 1837-1901. Six new stamps feature landmarks and statues in Guernsey dedicated to Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert. The highest value, 65 pennies (approximately 95 cents), shows the Victoria Tower, which was built in 1848 to commemorate her visit to Guernsey.
Queen Elizabeth II has presided over Britain since 1953. She and her husband, Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh), have visited Guernsey four times. A stamp worth 1 pound, 75 pennies (approximately $2.55) features a photo of the queen and is dedicated to her 75th birthday.
The stamps are available from the Guernsey Philatelic Bureau, Guelles Road, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1-1AB.
Catching up
Although the queens of England have appeared on numerous stamp issues of Great Britain and its colonies, the United States did not regularly issue stamps honoring women until recent years.
Pocahontas was seen on a U.S. stamp in 1907 as part of the 300th anniversary of Jamestown settlements.
Martha Washington, wife of the first president, made an appearance on a 4-cent stamp in 1927 and again on a 1 1/2-cent stamp in 1939 as part of a presidential series.
In 1935, a 3-cent stamp was dedicated to the "Mothers of America" and featured the painting "Whistler's Mother."
Now, every year the U.S. Postal Service issues stamps honoring women for endeavors ranging from sports to medicine to entertainment.
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