Universal Postal Union - a series of postage stamps

At the end of December 1949, the Underground Post of Ukraine (PPU) issued the second series of postage stamps dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). This issue became an important symbolic gesture, as it immediately reminded of three key dates related to the development of the Ukrainian postal business: the establishment of the Air Force in 1874, the issue of the first Ukrainian state stamps in 1918, and the creation of the PPU itself in 1949.

The unique series of stamps not only marked historical events, but also emphasized the importance of the postal business for the full functioning of the state. The rare philatelic issue symbolized the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for independence and integration into the world community.

Stamp design

Designer Myron Bilinsky presented allegorical images that conveyed the state of Ukraine as an enslaved nation, separated from the free world. The years 1874 and 1918 are indicated on the stamps, symbolizing the establishment of the Air Force and Ukraine's entry into it. The main colors became red, yellow, blue and turquoise, each of which emphasized a certain symbolic meaning.

Characteristics of the series

Denominations: 10 steps and 40 steps.

Circulation:

Perforated: from 22,872 to 45,048 copies (depending on color and denomination).

Unperforated: 2016 series.

Historical context of the Air Force

The Universal Postal Union was founded on October 9, 1874 in Bern, Switzerland, with the participation of 22 countries that signed the Universal Postal Union Agreement. In 1878, its name was changed to the current one. The Air Force standardized international mail exchange that had previously been governed by bilateral agreements.

Today, the Air Force unites 191 countries of the world, providing a global postal network for the delivery of correspondence even to the most remote corners of the planet.

The value of the stamp series

The presented vintage series of postage stamps became an important contribution to the postal history of Ukraine, emphasizing the country's inalienable right to be part of the international community. It is a rare souvenir for collectors, because it not only tells about the postal business, but also demonstrates the desire of Ukrainians for independence and recognition on the world stage.