Namibia
150th Anniversary of the Penny Black Souvenir Sheet
The high value in the "Sights of Namibia" stamps of 1991 was also featured in
a souvenir sheet commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Penny Black.
The second set of stamps issued by Namibia after it obtained its independence from South Africa in 1990 depicted "Sights of Namibia." These included Fish River Canyon on the 18 cent, the Quiver Tree Forest on the 35 cent, the Tsaris Mountains on the 45 cent and the Dolerite Hills on the 60 cent denomination. The latter stamp was also incorporated into a small souvenir sheet sold for 1.50 rand commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Penny Black.
As is evident on the stamp, the Dolerite Hills in southern Namibia feature unusual rock formations. These are the result of weathering of dolerite sills and dykes resulting from volcanic activity associated with the breakup of the Gonwanda supercontinent. One particular area of eroded rocks, on Farm Gariganus near Keetmanshoop, is known as the "Giant’s Playground."
Bibliography
"Dolerite Hills." Roadside Geology of Namibia. Government of Namibia.
n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016. http://www.mme.gov.na/files/publications/5cf_A4_Dolerite%20Hills_en.pdf.
"Namibia." Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. 2015.
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© Grose Educational Media, 2018
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