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On June 19, 1958, the Vatican finally released the Brussels Exhibition commemorative issue, consisting of four stamps and a souvenir sheet, the same values appearing on the four stamps of the souvenir sheet as on the individual stamps: L.35; L.60; L.100 and L.300. The35 lire value was engraved and perforated 13 1/4, while the other three stamps were printed by rotogravure and perforated 13 1/4 x14. All were printed on paper with watermarked crossed keys. The souvenir sheet was printed by engraving on paper watermarked crossed keys and perforated 12 3/4 x 13. The colors of the individual stamps are listed as: (35) wine red; (60) orange vermilion; (100) violet; (300) ultramarine. The colors of the stamps on the souvenir sheet are: (35) wine red; (60) vermilion; (100) violet; (300) blue. The stamps were printed in sheets of 30 (6 x 5). Designed by Casimira Dabrowska, and engraved by A.Quieti Inc. for those depicting Pope Pius XII. and those of the pavilion by F.Tulli,Inc. It was originally intended to ration the souvenir sheets, one sheet for every ten sets of stamps bought. This was abandoned due to philatelic protests, but even when released, the printing was done in such limited quantities that they were rationed one sheet with each two sets of stamps. The souvenir sheets were printed in a sheet of four, each sheet having individual characteristics as described by Fr. Phinney ( Vol. XI, #4, p.8 & Vol. XII, #5, p.9). They are printed on paper watermarked crossed keys with the marginal watermark "STATO DELLA CITTA DEL VATICANO" perceptible on most sheets. The Latin inscription indicates it was issued to commemorate the Universal Exposition at Brussels in which the Apostolic See participated, A.D. 1958. 
Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 239-242a Date Issued - 19 June 1958 Face Value - 35 l, 60 l, 100 l, 300 l Perforations - 13 Printer - The Italian State Printing Office |
| (From Vatican Notes Volume XV, Number 4, January - February 1967, Page 10) |
