Below are two copies of relatively common 1985 Cypros postage stamp that was issued for tourism.  This 15c stamp (Michel #634) is showing a woman at Protaras beach.  Stamp on the left is showing normal vibrant colors, stamp on the right is missing most brown/reddish tones.  A true color error ? Not likely.


Cypros stamp faded by sunlight

My best bet is that the stamp on the right has been exposed to direct sunlight for long period of time.  The major clue is color of the stamp paper. Edges of the right side stamp are looking a bit yellowish instead of normal white. This is a very common characteristic for any paper that has been exposed to heavy sunlight.

But why the red color only? I don’t know the exact chemical process behind this, but it is relatively common knowledge that some colors, like red, are much more sensitive to direct sunlight exposure than other colors.

What’s your take on this issue?

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2 Responses to “Too much sun is harmful, even for stamps”

  1. Kamrul Islam wrote:

    Dear Sir,
    I am kamrul editor of a travel megazine.I am allso tourism stamp collector.I am planning to arrenge a tourism releted stamp exebition I will be happy if anybody send me tourism releted stamp.pls note that my postal address is as following.I will be happy if you send me this two stamp.
    Tank you
    Kamrul Islam

    [original message edited by blog administrator]

  2. Keijo wrote:

    Hi Kamrul,

    First…The stamps above are from my personal collection. Thus they are NOT available for sale nor swap/exchange.

    Secondly I have edited your message(s) and removed your address details. I want to keep this blog and it’s comments/discussion focused on article content. Hope you’ll understand…

    best,
    -keijo-

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