Switzerland

New Swiss series

On 23 November 1999 three new series will be issued in Switzerland.

Pro Juventute

After the four-year cycle "Animals living in or near water" the new stamp cycle focuses on children's books. This year the series depicts the little clown Nicolo from the picture book of the same name by Verena Pavony and one stamp is dedicated to Margaret Strub's "Hinaus aufs Land".
The surcharge on this series is for the Pro Juventute Foundation. This organisation offers children in Switzerland leisure pursuits.
The Pro Juventute stamps are issued in sheets containing 50 stamps and two stamps were issued in a stamp booklet as well.
70 + 35c Pro Juventute, snowman
70 + 35c Pro Juventute, in front of the tent
90 + 45c Pro Juventute, in his fathers arms
110 + 55c Pro Juventute, hugging the donkey
Date of issue: 23 November 1999.
Size: 28 x 33mm.
Design: Swiss Post.
Print: Offset by Swiss Post Stamp Printers in Bern.

Christmas tree ornament

For the design of this year's Christmas stamp a computer was used. The photographed baubles were transformed into picturesque objects with simplified lines and colours. The Post stated: "it was not our intention to create a stamp advertising Christmas tree ornaments but to highlight an interesting aspect of the Christmas tree culture which has been part of our family Christmas celebrations since the late 18th century".
90c Christmas tree ornament
Date of issue: 23 November 1999.
Size: 28 x 33mm.
Design: Wolf Henkel and Gigi Schmid.
Print: Offset by Swiss Post Stamp Printers in Bern.

Millennium

On the threshold of a new millennium the Swiss Post issued a sheetlet with eight stamps. Between the stamps two labels were printed:
Label 1: Text "la poste, die post, la posta" and emblem of the Swiss Post.
Label 2: Text "Mit den besten Wünschen, Avec nos meilleurs voeux, Con i migliori auguri, Ils megliers giavischs".
The design on the stamps shows the earth encircled by the number 2000. The colours used for the numerals represent a rainbow.
90c Millennium, earth
Date of issue: 23 November 1999.
Size: 36 x 26,15mm.
Design: Luciano Marx.
Print: Offset by Swiss Post Stamp Printers in Bern.

More information

Stamps Switzerland
Postage Stamps 1999
Swiss Souvenirs and Cycling
New issues 1999
Pro Juventute 2000
New Swiss definitives