Virgil Bi-Millenary: The Joys of Family and Home

Virgil Bi-Millenary: The Joys of Family and Home

Year
1930
Face Value
75
Mint Value
-
Used Value
-
Print Run
20000
Themes
Personalities

Catalogs References

Michel
IT-SO 158
Yvert & Tellier
IT-SO 149
Stanley Gibbons
SO 148

Technical Details

Colors
Carmine
Size
40 x 25 mm
Perforation
14
Printing
Photogravure
Designer
Corrado Mezzana
Printers
IPS Off. Carte Valori (Officina Governativa Carte Valori)
This carmine-red 75-centesimi stamp stems from the 1930 series honoring the bi-millenary of the Roman poet Virgil ("Secondo Millenario Virgiliano"). Overprinted with a distinct black "SOMALIA" across the top pediment architectural frame, the design references the pastoral tranquility of the Georgics (Book II). The poignant vignette illustrates a mother cradling her infant while another young child reaches up to embrace her, flanked by a resting farm animal and agricultural tools. The lower tablet bears the tender Latin inscription: "Interea dulces pendent circum oscula nati" ("Meanwhile, sweet children cling around her kisses"), celebrating the core Roman virtues of family, domestic stability, and simple rural life.