On January 23, 1962, the postal administration of the Republic of San Marino issued one of its most renowned thematic stamp sets dedicated to the history of the automobile. The issue consists of 15 stamps (Scott Nos. 494–508, Michel Nos. 704–718) depicting early automobiles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, illustrating the formative years of the automotive industry.
Main characteristics of the issue:
Country: San Marino
Date of issue: January 23, 1962
Catalogue numbers: Scott Nos. 494–508 / Michel Nos. 704–718
Number of stamps: 15
Printing method: Photogravure
Perforation: 14
Watermark: Multiple Star
Theme: History of the automobile, vintage cars
The following automobiles are depicted in the set:
Michel 704 / Scott 494 — Duryea (1892)
Michel 705 / Scott 495 — Panhard & Levassor (1895)
Michel 706 / Scott 496 — Peugeot (1895)
Michel 707 / Scott 497 — Daimler (1899)
Michel 708 / Scott 498 — Fiat (1899)
Michel 709 / Scott 499 — Renault (1900)
Michel 710 / Scott 500 — Wolseley (1901)
Michel 711 / Scott 501 — Napier (1903)
Michel 712 / Scott 502 — De Dion-Bouton (1904)
Michel 713 / Scott 503 — Cadillac (1905)
Michel 714 / Scott 504 — Rolls-Royce (1907)
Michel 715 / Scott 505 — Lancia Alpha (1908)
Michel 716 / Scott 506 — Ford Model T (1909)
Michel 717 / Scott 507 — Opel Torpedo (1910)
Michel 718 / Scott 508 — Itala (1911)
The stamp designs were created by the Italian artist Corrado Mancioli. The high-quality photogravure printing process allowed for the detailed depiction of the technical features and distinctive appearance of these pioneering automobiles.
The “Automobili d'Epoca” issue is considered one of San Marino’s most popular automobile-themed stamp sets. It is highly appreciated by collectors of San Marino philately as well as by thematic collectors specializing in transportation and the history of technology. More than sixty years after its release, the set remains an attractive and affordable collectible on the philatelic market.
