Tuesday, May 3, 2022

0-euro notes : 0 e. 20 Years of Euro

In 2022, the majority of Europe is used to travel abroad and use one currency in nearly all European countries. 20 years ago, 12 countries started to use the common currency and left their own national valuta.

Meanwhile, the design of the notes has changed, and more countries has joined the Euro-zone.

To celebrate this second decade of euro money, Belgium has issued a commemorative 0-euro note.

United in Diversity - 20 years EURO

On the 0-euro note, that was issued in 20,000 copies, we see the map of Europe, with all countries that use the Euro-currency, in a dark colour.

Detail 20 years Euro

From Finland in the north, to Cyprus in the south east.
The text 'United in Diversity' is written in English. A bit strange, since except for Ireland and Malta, English is not an official language in any of the other countries in Europe.

to be continued...

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Theme : Zodiac signs 20

The Swedish post has a long tradition of very nicely designed stamps.
Despite that, or maybe because that, they also emitted a set of 12 stamps in 1999, dedicated to the zodiac signs.

Zodiac signs Sweden 1999 A

Zodiac signs Sweden 1999 B

Each stamp is triangular, and six of them form a hexagon.
The colours are alternatively light blue and brown/yellow, on a dark blue background.
All stamps mention 'Brev Inrikes' which means the stamp is ment for use within Sweden only.

On each stamp, we find the name in Swedish as well.
Note that the indefinite article in Swedish, is placed behind the word.

ConstellationEnglish NameSwedish Name
Dates
Ariesthe RamVäduren
Mar. 21–Apr. 19
Taurusthe BullOxen
Apr. 20–May 20
Geminithe TwinsTvillingarna
May 21–June 21
Cancerthe CrabKräftan
June 22–July 22
Leothe LionLejonet
July 23–Aug. 22
Virgothe Virgin/the Maiden
Junkfrun
Aug. 23–Sept. 22
Librathe Balance / the Scales
Vågen
Sept. 23–Oct. 23
Scorpiothe ScorpionSkorpionen
Oct. 24–Nov. 21
Sagittariusthe Archer / the Centaur
Skytten
Nov. 22–Dec. 21
Capricornthe Goat(-fish hybrid)
Stenbocken
Dec. 22–Jan. 19
Aquariusthe Water BearerVattumannen
Jan. 20–Feb. 18
Piscesthe FishesFiskarna
Feb. 19–Mar. 20
Gemini (Tvillingarna)

to be continued...