A couple of months back we had reported on the first publication of the Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL) in a new series of Study Paper – “Letter Mail from Portugal to USA, 1853–75” by Luís Rocha
The society has now released its second publication, this too by the same author. This scholarly work represents a definitive advancement in Portuguese philately, born from the recent incorporation of the historical archives of the Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda (INCM) into the National Archive Torre do Tombo. By scrutinising previously unexamined primary sources, including original ledger books, consignment notes, and annual balance terms, the author reconstructs the complete production cycle of the D. Maria II, D. Pedro V, and early D. Luís I issues with unprecedented precision.
The work is enriched by exclusive high-resolution colour photography of original reproduction punches, matrices, and service dies from the Mint House collection alongside rare philatelic items from the Borja Freire issues. By correcting long-standing data for the numbers of stamps issued, and redefining issue dates through primary evidence, this study provides a new, definitive foundation for the specialised collector.
This 60-page softbound book costs £10.50 (£9.50 for RPSL members) and can be ordered through the RPSL website.
