Christmas 1989 issue

Abstract

This set of three stamps is the twenty-sixth consecutive set in the series of Christmas stamps issued by the Malta Postal Administration. As usual, each stamp includes a surcharge to its postal value, proceeds from which will go to philanthropic organisations. The stamps feature reproductions of paintings of Angels by Mattia Preti found on the vault of St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Coulour checks in the form of coloured discs 3mm in diameter are seen in the right hand margin, next to the last stamp of the bottom row, in each Pane, of each value. The colours from top to bottom, correspond to the colours used for Pane numbers, from left to right, on each Pane, of each value. Cumulative totals of progressive columns of stamps are seen in top and bottom margins, printed in black. [excerpt]