{"product_id":"gibraltar-1981-europa-folklore-first-day-cover-february-24-1981","title":"Gibraltar 1981 Europa Folklore First Day Cover (February 24, 1981)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong\u003eOfficial First Day Cover (FDC)\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003eGibraltar\u003c\/strong\u003e, issued on \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary 24, 1981\u003c\/strong\u003e, for the \u003cstrong\u003eEUROPA\/CEPT\u003c\/strong\u003e theme \"Folklore\" (often interpreted locally as ancient legends tied to the Pillars of Hercules).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe set (Scott #400-401 or SG #444-445) consists of two stamps depicting the mythological hero Hercules (Heracles) separating the continents at the Strait of Gibraltar:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e9p stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hercules crouching and pushing apart the Pillars (one being the Rock of Gibraltar, the other in Africa\/Morocco), holding a club or rock fragment, with waves and sky in blue tones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e15p stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hercules standing amid ancient columns (Pillars), draped in a lion skin or cloth, emphasizing his labors and the legend that he created the Strait by splitting the mountain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe envelope has a bright yellow background with green accents, featuring the Rock of Gibraltar at the base, a stylized golden torch or flame (symbolizing enlightenment or the CEPT\/EUROPA motif), and the title \"GIBRALTAR EUROPA 1981\" in bold lettering. The artist's signature (A.G.R. y something, possibly A.G.R. Yllana or similar) appears near the Rock illustration. Postmark is a circular cancel dated \u003cstrong\u003e24 FEBRUARY 1981\u003c\/strong\u003e with \"EUROPA\" inscription and Gibraltar markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis issue ties into the annual CEPT\/EUROPA series promoting European unity through cultural themes; Gibraltar's entry cleverly links folklore to its unique geography as the \"Pillars of Hercules\" (the ancient boundary between the known world and the Atlantic). Popular among thematic collectors for mythology, heraldry (crown\/ER), and regional pride. Often available with matching miniature sheets in some markets.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51233899675812,"sku":null,"price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/20250520183612.jpg?v=1770400526","url":"https:\/\/fdc-vault.com\/products\/gibraltar-1981-europa-folklore-first-day-cover-february-24-1981","provider":"Maple Springs - FDC Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}