Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Argentina Re-Visited"

Dr. David Cumming

A visit to South America – to Argentina – was the subject of the display presented on Friday afternoon (1^st Nov) at the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society. Guest speaker, Dr David Cumming, gave a fascinating insight into the history as he displayed "Argentina Revisited".

He explained that Argentina is very possessive of the land it deems belongs to them. The first stamps on display (1936 – 1953) depicted maps showing "South Atlantic and Antarctic Claims" – followed by stamps with further maps of the "Argentinian Expedition to the South Pole". More maps showed a complete view of Argentina and the Antarctic claims – and this included the Falkland Islands – which they continue to claim as their property.

Various stamps showed Argentinian Antarctic Bases – and David informed members that these bases were large- complete with shop, church, school – children were born there and thus could claim that they were born in Argentina!  Stamps illustrating Explorers and also Antarctic Research issued to further enhance the claim to this large part of Antarctica.

The country began issuing Souvenir Sheets – beautiful stamps commemorating various events and subjects – including Philatelic Anniversary and Exhibition; Dinosaurs; Distinctive People of Argentina; Paintings; Lighthouses; Footballers – and further commemorations of Events around the world. These were all beautiful, colourful stamps.

After the Falklands War in 1982, Argentina faced heavy economic problems. This led to changes in currency of the country – the "Austral" replaced the country’s "Peso" in 1985. In 1991 the currency changed to equal value to the US Dollar; and changed back to the "Peso" in 1992. But the economy was still troubled and through the following years the prices rose beyond the reach of the ordinary citizen. Beautiful stamps were issued – Flower Definitives; Traditional Musical Instruments; Tourism etc – but fewer issues appeared each year.

Argentina continues with its claim of the Falkland Isles – and in 2004 issued a set of stamps depicting fish species of the country – and in subtle faded lettering on the bottom of each stamp there is "Islas Malvinas". In 2012 another set of stamps with a map of the Falkland Islands – but again – even less subtly! - named "Islas Malvinas".

A vote of thanks was expressed, to David, by Walter Simpson for his excellent talk and presenting a most interesting display.

Our next meeting in the Hamilton Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 8th November 2024, at 1:30pm with Mr. Iain English displaying “Serbia, 1866 to 1918” followed by Mr. Derek Wiltshire displaying “World War 1 East Africa”.

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.