Definitive Stamps

In 2008, Mayotte's current 20 Cent definitive stamp (caption “ITVF”) ran low on stocks. Therefore reprints were ordered. The executing printing office however did deliver the stamps (caption “Phil@poste”) with green background instead of the orange background of the original stamps. Since the green shade was very similar to the one of the 45 Cent definitive (caption “ITVF”) of the same series, it was concluded that this would lead to confusing the two stamps.

 

Thus the reprints (first day of issue: March 3, 2008) were withdrawn (April 26, 2008). About 3800 copies of the stamp, out of 20000, were sold. The reprint was again ordered and issued on May 20, 2008, this time with the correct orange color (caption “Phil@poste”).

20 Cent ITVF
20 Cent Phil@poste

30 Cent Phil@poste
45 Cent ITVF

 

Above left: Stamp low on stocks

Above right: Corrected reprint

Below left: Withdrawn stamp

Below right: 45 Cent stamp