Bull's Eye (postage stamp) Bull's Eye (postage stamp) The Bull's Eye "(Portuguese Olho-de-boi)" postage stamps were the first stamps issued by Brazil, on 1 August 1843, having face values of 30, 60, and 90 réis. Brazil was the second country in the world, after the United Kingdom, to issue postage stamps valid within the entire country (as opposed to a local issue). Like the United Kingdoms's first stamps, the design does not include the country name. The unusual name derives from the ornamental value figures inside the oval settings, and the arrangement of the stamps in the sheet, which permitted se-tenant pairs that looked
Postage stamps and postal history of Crete Postage stamps and postal history of Crete This is a survey of the postage stamps and postal history of Crete. Ottoman stamps were used in Crete until 1899. In 1898 Crete obtained autonomy under Ottoman suzerainty, but was nevertheless garrisoned by an international military force from Britain, France, Italy and Russia. The first stamps of Crete were issued on 1 March 1900. The first series of nine stamps featured images of Hermes, Hera, King Minos, Talos and a portrait of Prince George, who was the high commissioner of the island. In February 1905, the second series was released. The series