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5L and 60L: Basilica at Mariazell (Scott 229 and 231) 15L and 100L: Image of the Great Mother of Austria (Scott 230 and 232) On November 14, 1957, the Vatican released a set of four commemorative stamps (Scott 229-232) to mark the eighth centenary of the Marian Shrine at Mariazell, Austria. The issue consists of two designs, both executed by the famed Vatican stamp designer, Miss Casmira Dabrowska. The 5 and 60 Lire stamps are green and ultramarine respectively and show the basilica with its two Baroque and one Gothic spires. They were printed from plates engraved by V. Nicastro, Inc. The 15 and 100 Lire stamps are grey-green and dark violet, respectively and show the Shrine itself with the famous wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin and Child. The 800-year-old statue carved by a Benedictine monk appears to be perfectly preserved. The stamps were printed from plates engraved by M. Canfarini, Inc. All stamps were printed by the State Printing Office in Rome in sheets of 50 with standard Vatican watermark and perforations. The 5 and 60 Lire values bear the dates 1157 and 1957 and “MARIAZELL”. The 15 and 60 Lire values bear the inscription “Cella Magnae Matris Austriae”, meaning “The Great Mother of Austria”. SOURCE: Originally appeared in Vatican Notes, Volume IV, Number 4, January-February, 1958, page 1, "Vatican Philatelic News--Mariazell Shrine" (Author unknown) Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 229-232 Date Issued - 14 November 1957 Face Value - 5 l, 15 l, 60 l, 100 l Perforations - 13 Printer - The Italian State Printing Office |
