Bhutan is a country what has issued many stamps one could describe as gimmicks. But they issued unusual stamps long before many other countries followed suit. Somehow I always liked them.Proof that I am not alone, gives a look in a catalogue. Many of the "gimmick-stamps" have become rather costly. My collection is far from being a complete one.In 2000 I ended buying new issues. But maybe I will look for selected modern stamps after that "one fine day". For now I will show my little collection one by one and also mention those issues,I do not own. I have to start with a set I do not own: In 1955 a set of four fiscals was used for postage,at least sort of. It is doubtful,that commercially use took place. Two of this set were overprinted in indian currency in 1962 (?),but it is even more doubtful,that they were ever used on a regular base. On October 10th,1962,the first regular stamp-set was issued (Mi.no. 5-11) (part I of 2) The currency of Bhutan is called Ngultrum (Nu), made up by 100 Chetrum (ch). The Ngultrum is eqivalent and pegged to the Indian Rupee.
(part II of 2) The "Druk Gyalpo",- he had the title "Maharadja"-,is founder of the current royal dynasty of Bhutan. "Punakha" is former capital. "Paro Dzong" is the monastery-fortress,where Druk Gyalpo came from. "Tashi Chho Dzong",another monastery-fortress,was his royal residence.
Next one missing: World Refugee Year,set of two,issued Oct.10th,1962. Issued March 21st,1963,commemorating Bhutan´s membership of the Colombo-Plan development-organization. I am not sure about all object featured on these stamps.But they belong to the equipment of an ancient warrior: helmet,shield,sword,dagger...
Tokyo Olympics,issued Oct.10th,1964 (part I of 2) Exist perforated and imperforated.The latter value about 3 times the price of the perforated ones.
Souvenir sheets exist perforated and imperforated. (same price) The stamps from s.s. do not only differ in colours and perforation, but also show a surtaxe of 50 Ch. each.
"In memory of those (men),who died in service of their country". (flags flying at Half-mast) issued Nov.22nd 1964 Exist perforated and imperforated.
Souvenir sheets exist perforated and imperforated. The stamps from the perforated s.s. have a different perforation, than those from sheets.They are harrow-perforated 13.5,while those from sheets are line-perforated 14.5.
Churchill death-commemoration,issued Feb.27th,1965. (Bhutan was pretty fast with these stamps,as Churchill had died on January 24th !)
Two values of the Churchill-series exist imperforated.They are mentioned and prized by Scott,but are not catalogued by Michel.
The souvenir sheet belonging to the set,also exists perforated and imperforated.10.000 were printed of each. However the perforated stamps from the set are perf.14.5,while those from the s.s. are perf.13.5.
In 1965 eight stamps of previous issues were overprinted and revalued.At the time an inland letter was 15 Ch.So there was actually little use of many of the higher values of the various series issued till then.The overprints were all 5,10,15 and 20 Ch. The overprinted stamps are not easy to find and have a relatively high catalogue value around € 10.- to 50.- each. The same applies to later revalued series,except that the individual stamps are a bit cheaper. On e-bay and co. you can find some single values and overprint-errors. But to find full sets makes a real challenge ! Of the first series of eight,I only own the stamp,shown above.
