Yesterday afternoon at Expo 2020 Dubai, at the VIP Lounge of the San Marino Pavilion, a special event dedicated to the history of philately and numismatics of the Republic of San Marino took place through a live streaming connection with the Stamp and Coin Museum in the presence of enthusiasts from various pavilions and fifteen members of the Emirates Philatelic Association.
The talk was opened by the Commissioner General of the San Marino Pavilion, Filippo Francini, who greeted the large audience in attendance and recalled the importance that philately has always had for the country, not only for the history of its postal service, among the oldest in the world, but also for its symbolic meaning and values, a constant expression of sovereignty over the decades.
The first speaker was Dr. Roberto Ganganelli, Project Manager of the Stamp and Coin Museum of San Marino, inaugurated last summer, who traced the fascinating history of philately and numismatics. From the minting of the first coins in 1864 and the first issue of the postal series in 1877 with the reproduction of the three towers and the official coat of arms, up to the most recent special editions. An involving story that emphasized how San Marino has become a reference in the sector thanks also to prestigious awards received such as the one for the best stamp called “Francobollo d’oro” and the Communication Arts – Award of Excellence.
During the second part of the event, Dr. Letizia Lividini, curator of the Philately and Numismatics Division, took the floor and pointed out how, through its stamps, San Marino has transmitted not only the knowledge of its ancient history and tradition, but has also participated in international, sports and institutional events.
And it was precisely in the setting of Expo 2020 Dubai that the audience had the opportunity to learn more about the issues dedicated to San Marino’s participation in the Universal Expositions of Shanghai and Milan and Dubai. The latter reproduces an illustration inspired by the eagle-shaped fibula, the masterpiece of Gothic jewellery belonging to the Domagnano Treasure, the main attraction on display in the San Marino Pavilion.
The presentation ended with the illustration of the official website of the Philatelic and Numismatic Office (https://www.ufn.sm) through which it is possible to register to the newsletter to stay updated and purchase issues from all over the world.
There were many subscriptions, questions and curiosities expressed by collectors – Emirati and not only – as a further proof of the charm of San Marino stamps and coins.
Omar Mohammad Ahmad Muallemi, the Honorary Secretary of the Numismatic Association of the Arab Emirates: “We are very happy to have participated in an event entirely dedicated to philately at Expo 2020 Dubai. Through this talk our Association was able to discover so many new anecdotes previously unknown about the oldest Republic in the world. The stamps of San Marino are really very beautiful and particular. I will start to collect them and I would like to collect them and I would like to organize a trip soon to discover this land live”.
Commissioner Filippo Francini: “Collecting San Marino philatelic and numismatic issues is now a consolidated tradition at international level and this event has once again confirmed the great interest nurtured towards our numismatic tradition. We are therefore very proud to have hosted, in the VIP Lounge of the San Marino Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, an event dedicated to a niche sector but very much appreciated by the many enthusiasts who arrived in large numbers from various emirates to discover and appreciate one of our most important resources. I would like to thank all the staff and the representatives of the Stamp and Coin Museum for the success of this beautiful initiative that has been a very important step to enhance the reputation and image of the Republic of San Marino in the world.
