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Please report any doubtful stamps you come across. Thanks! 23.02.2004 The postal administration of CÔTE D'IVOIRE (Ivory Coast) asks me to inform you of the following: "We remind member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) that the postal administration of Côte d'Ivoire is the victim of illegal postage stamp issues. "We are shocked and horrified to find unscrupulous individuals continuing to offer philatelists various series of illegal postage stamp issues and disseminating them through a number of websites and through various publications. Not only are the illegal postage stamps already reported still being sold freely, but a new series has recently appeared on the philatelic market. For your information, at least three hundred illegal postage stamps have been identified. They are generally produced in various perforated or imperforate formats, with most sheets containing three, six or nine stamps with face values ranging between 100 and 500 F. False pre-cancellation marks have even been applied to certain sheets. "This situation is made even worse by the fact that the stamps feature certain celebrities or political figures, which could have negative repercussions for Côte d'Ivoire Post. "It appears that, not content with earning easy money, these immoral individuals have decided to undermine the image of Côte d'Ivoire, in particular through the reproduction of pornographic scenes. "As the only body authorized to issue, disseminate and sell postage stamps under Ivorian law, Côte d'Ivoire Post cannot ignore this attempt to usurp its rights and blatantly violate the texts of the Universal Postal Convention, and article 6 in particular. "Therefore, we denounce and condemn these reprehensible actions which undermine the reputation of our country, and the financial and economic standing of our administration. We also call on the solidarity of all Union stakeholders in tackling this phenomenon, which has a disastrous effect on our sector of activity. "We would also point out that, since 2002, all our postage stamps have been registered and can be viewed on the UPU's WNS website. "Lastly, we would inform philatelists wishing to purchase stamps that they can contact: Centre Philatélique d'Abidjan Direction de la Production Poste de Côte d'Ivoire 01 B.P. 4056 Abidjan 01 Côte d'Ivoire Fax: (+225) 20 32 24 82 or our official representative in France: Théodore Champion SA 68, Rue d'Hauteville 75010 Paris France Tel: (+33 1) 42 46 70 38 (Business and retail customers) Fax: (+33 1) 48 24 08 27 / "The new list of illegal postage stamps appears in the Annex." Yours faithfully, K J S McKEOWN Director of Markets Annex Summary of illegal postage stamp issues produced in the name of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire – (On certain illegal stamps, the year 2002 or 2003 is not clearly legible). Fairy tales, fantasy tales, cartoons One miniature sheet in vertical format comprising three postage stamps each depicting a different fairy tale whose English title appears vertically. From top to bottom, the values shown are 150 F, 200 F and 250 F, and the stamps are inscribed with the year 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed at the bottom in English "Fairy Tales". The illustration on each postage stamp continues on the border of the miniature sheet. One miniature sheet depicting a scene from Snow White and containing one postage stamp with a face value of 500 F and the year 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed in the top left corner in English "Snow White". One miniature sheet in horizontal format comprising three postage stamps each depicting a scene from a fantasy tale whose English title appears horizontally on each stamp. From left to right, the values shown are 150 F, 200 F and 250 F, and each stamp is inscribed with the year 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed at the top in English "Fantasy Tales". The illustration on each postage stamp continues on the border of the miniature sheet. *Ten miniature sheets each featuring in the background an illustration from a Walt Disney story and containing a postage stamp featuring an illustration from another Disney story. Each miniature sheet is inscribed at the top (on the left or right) "Disney cartoons". Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 250 F, the year 2003 and the "Scouts" logo. The illustrations include Donald Duck, Dumbo, Ferdinand, Goofy and Wilbur, Lady and the Tramp, Merbabies, Mickey Mouse, Pluto and Reluctant Dragon. One vertical miniature sheet comprising six postage stamps inscribed at the top in English "SPIRITED AWAY" with Asian characters below. Each stamp depicts a different scene from the Japanese story Miyazaki. From left to right, the stamps are inscribed with values of 100f, 200f, 200f, 300f, 300f and 500f and are dated 2003. The edges feature other images from this story. *These sheets are sold in euros in perforated, imperforate and first day cover format. Fauna (African animals, animals and wildcats, dogs, dinosaurs, wild birds, owls, marine life) One miniature sheet comprising six postage stamps each depicting a different species of African animal or bird. From left to right, the values shown are 100 F, 150 F, 200 F, 250 F, 300 F and 350 F; each stamp is inscribed with the year 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed at the top in English "THE NATURE CONSERVANCY" along with the emblem and logo of this organization. The bottom of the miniature sheet is inscribed in English "Saving the Last Great Places". Other animals are depicted in the margins of the miniature sheet. One miniature sheet in vertical format depicting an aquatic environment and containing three postage stamps each depicting a different species of animal or bird. From top to bottom, the values shown are 150 F, 200 F and 250 F; each stamp is inscribed with the year 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed in the bottom right-hand corner with the emblem and logo of the "Nature Conservancy" organization. One miniature sheet in horizontal format with a background depicting a landscape with various animals and a mountain. The miniature sheet contains three postage stamps each depicting a different species of African animal. From left to right, the values shown are 150 F, 200 F and 250 F; each stamp is inscribed with the year 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed in the top right-hand corner with the logo of the "Nature Conservancy" organization. One miniature sheet in horizontal format with a background depicting a landscape with various animals and snow-capped mountains. The miniature sheet contains two postage stamps one depicting small wild animals and the other wild birds. The face value of each stamp is 500 F; each stamp is dated 2003. The bottom of the miniature sheet is inscribed in the middle in English "THE NATURE CONSERVANCY" and displays that organization's emblem and logo. One horizontal miniature sheet comprising eight postage stamps, each depicting a different species of wildcat. From left to right, the values shown are 100 F, 150 F, 200 F, 250 F, 300 F, 350 F, 400 F and 450 F; each stamp is inscribed with the year 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed at the top in English "THE NATURE CONSERVANCY" and features the emblem and logo of this organization on the left. The bottom of the miniature sheet is inscribed in English "Saving the Last Great Places". The background of the miniature sheet is thought to depict an African landscape. One miniature sheet depicting a leopard, which is the subject of the 500 F stamp, which is also dated 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed at the top on the left in English "THE NATURE CONSERVANCY" and contains on the right the emblem and logo of this organization. One vertical miniature sheet comprising a set of six postage stamps, each of which depicts a different species of dog. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 200f, is dated 2003 and also contains the "Scouts" logo. Parts of dogs are depicted in the margins of the miniature sheet. One miniature sheet depicting various species of dinosaurs in action in the background, and containing a 1000f stamp featuring other dinosaurs. The stamp is also inscribed with the year 2003. One vertical miniature sheet depicting various species of dinosaurs in action and containing a series of three stamps each depicting the head of a different dinosaur. From top to bottom, the values shown are 150f, 200f and 250f; each stamp is also inscribed with the year 2003. One miniature sheet depicting various species of fish and containing a 1000f stamp featuring other fish. The stamp is also inscribed with the year 2003. Birds (various birds, owls) One horizontal miniature sheet comprising ten postage stamps, each of which depicts a different species of owl, inscribed with the year 2003 and with a value of 200f. The inscription "OISEAUX" appears at the top of the sheet, in the middle. Other pictures of birds are depicted in the margins of the miniature sheet. The "Scouts" logo appears in the bottom left-hand corner of the sheet. One of the ten stamps from the preceding miniature sheet, namely the one depicting an owl, is the subject of a separate miniature sheet depicting the same bird. This miniature sheet is inscribed at the top "OISEAUX" and with a value of 1000f, and is dated 2003. The "Scouts" logo is incorporated into the bottom of the stamp. One set of two miniature sheets depicting owls and mushrooms. One miniature sheet comprises a set of six postage stamps, the other eight stamps. Each of these stamps depicts a different species of owl and mushroom, and is inscribed with a value of 300f and the year 2003. Each miniature sheet is inscribed at the top in English "Owls & Mushrooms". Other images of owls are depicted in the margins. Each of the miniature sheets is sold in perforated and imperforate formats. Films, movies Two miniature sheets with a scene from one of the Harry Potter films in the background, with an inscription in the middle of the sheet. Each miniature sheet contains one postage stamp in the bottom right-hand corner featuring Harry Potter on his own or with other persons. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 300 F and the year 2003. Three horizontal miniature sheets each comprising six postage stamps and inscribed at the top in English "Harry Potter". Each stamp depicts a scene from a Harry Potter film, and is inscribed with a value of 300f and the year 2003. Other scenes from films are depicted in the background. One miniature sheet comprising six postage stamps featuring different characters from one of the Lord of the Rings films, with an inscription in the middle of the sheet. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 450 F and the year 2003. The margins of the sheet feature a further scene from the film. A first day cover for each stamp is also available for sale. *These sheets are sold in euros in perforated, imperforate and first day cover format. Organizations One horizontal miniature sheet comprising six postage stamps, each depicting a different Red Cross activity. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 500 F and the year 2003. The background features further Red Cross activities. The "Rotary International" logo appears on each stamp and in the background. Lighthouses One vertical miniature sheet depicting various lighthouses in the background and inscribed at the top "LES PHARES". The miniature sheet comprises six stamps, each of which depicts a lighthouse in a different setting and is inscribed with a value of 200f, the year 2003 and the "Rotary International" logo. One horizontal miniature sheet depicting two lighthouses in the background and inscribed at the top in English "Lighthouses". The miniature sheet comprises eight stamps, each of which depicts a different lighthouse and a penguin and is inscribed with a value of 300f and the year 2003. This miniature sheet is also sold in imperforate format. Various famous persons together with actors, actresses, singers, musical groups, etc. – Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II One miniature sheet with a portrait of Mother Teresa in the background and inscribed in the middle in English over five lines: "19. October 2003, Beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Pope John Paul II – 25 years of the pontificate, God bless you, Sr. Teresa". The miniature sheet contains two stamps, one depicting Pope John Paul II and the other Mother Teresa. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 500 F and the year 2003. The insignia of the Pope and of the Vatican also appear in the bottom left and right-hand corners. A – One miniature sheet comprising six postage stamps, each featuring a different picture of Pope John Paul II, either alone or with other people. The value shown on each stamp is 100 F, and each stamp is inscribed with the year 2003. The miniature sheet is inscribed at the top in English "His Holiness John Paul II" and at the centre bottom with the years 1978–2003. The margins of the miniature sheet contain the insignia of the Pope and the Vatican together with other depictions of the Pope. The same miniature is sold in a pre-cancelled format dated 02.01 (or 07) 2003. B 1–3 Three horizontal miniature sheets depicting different views of St Peter's Square in the Vatican, Rome. Each miniature sheet contains two postage stamps each featuring a different picture of Pope John Paul II. Each postage stamp is inscribed with a value of 250 F and the year 2003. The inscription at the top of the miniature sheet in English is "Pope John Paul II", with "25 years of the pontificate" at the centre bottom. The insignia of the Pope and the Vatican appear on each side of each sheet. B 1–3bis One of the preceding miniature sheets in exactly the same form, but with a cancellation on each stamp, dated 27.02.2003 and reading "* CÔTE D’IVOIRE * Yamoussoukro". C 1 – One miniature sheet depicting a religious scene or painting containing a picture of Pope John Paul II in the centre. The postage stamp is inscribed with a value of 500 F and the year 2003. The inscription at the top of the miniature sheet in English is "Pope John Paul II", with "1978" to the left and "2003" to the right. The insignia of the Pope and the Vatican appear on each side of the sheet. C 1bis – The same miniature sheet exists in cancelled format. The cancellation is dated 27.02.2003 and reads "* CÔTE D’IVOIRE * Yamoussoukro". One horizontal miniature sheet containing two postage stamps, each featuring a different picture of Pope John Paul II. On one of the stamps, he is giving a speech. On the other he is greeting two children. There is a label between these stamps with another picture of the Pope. Each postage stamp is inscribed with a value of 1000 F and the year 2003. The inscription at the top of the miniature sheet in English is "Holy Father Pope John Paul II", with "25 years of the Pontificate" at the centre bottom. There are insignia of the Pope and the Vatican on each side of the miniature sheet (in the top right and bottom left) and other depictions of the Pope. Actors, actresses, singers, comedians, musical groups, etc. Five horizontal miniature sheets each containing postage stamps each featuring a different picture of the celebrities whose name is inscribed at the top of each miniature sheet. The miniature sheets depicting Anthony Hopkins, Ben Affleck and Eminem each contain eight values. The miniature sheets depicting Céline Dion and Pierce Brosnan each contain six values. Each postage stamp on each sheet is inscribed with a value of 100 F and the year 2002. Thirteen miniature sheets in the same format each containing four postage stamps each featuring a different picture of the celebrities in question, either alone or with other people. The name of each celebrity or group is inscribed at the top of each sheet, namely AC/DC, The Backstreet Boys, The Bee Gees, The Beatles, The Doors, Freddie Mercury, KISS, Madonna, Metallica, Queen and the Rolling Stones. Each postage stamp on each miniature sheet is inscribed with a value of 100 F, the year 2002 or 2003 and the logo of the Rotary organization. There are various depictions of the celebrities or groups in the margins of each miniature sheet. The miniature sheet featuring Madonna has also been found in a pre-cancelled format with the date 20.05.2003. *Two horizontal miniature sheets in the same format each containing six postage stamps each featuring a different picture of The Beatles. The name "The Beatles" is inscribed in the top right-hand corner of each sheet. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 400 F and a year which is illegible. The background of each miniature sheet contains a composite illustration with various images of members of the group. Women (Japanese actresses) One miniature sheet depicting Japanese women in traditional dress in the background, and containing six postage stamps depicting other Japanese women. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 500f and the year 2003. One horizontal miniature sheet containing nine postage stamps depicting various Japanese women in traditional dress. The miniature sheet contains an inscription in Japanese at the centre top. From left to right, the stamps are inscribed with values of 100f, 150f, 200f, 250f, 300f, 350f, 400f, 450f and 500f and are dated 2003. Two horizontal miniature sheets, one with a background image of women in provocative poses, the other with a background image of women playing tennis. Each sheet contains a series of six stamps, each depicting another women (actress or tennis player), with her name inscribed vertically, and with a value of 500f and the year 2003. The miniature sheet depicting actresses is inscribed at the bottom "Les Actrices". One horizontal miniature sheet depicting various portraits in the background of the actress Marilyn Monroe as though these were negatives from films. The miniature sheet contains a series of six stamps, each featuring a different portrait of Marilyn Monroe, inscribed with a value of 500f and the year 2003. Immoral scenes, sexually explicit and completely unethical Five miniature sheets each featuring a large letter "S" in the background and the inscription "SORAYAMA", positioned vertically and horizontally, and depicting a semi-naked or naked woman. Two of the sheets show Marilyn Monroe. One postage stamp is incorporated into the bottom left-hand corner of each sheet, each showing another semi-naked or naked woman. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 100 F and a year which is illegible. *Five vertical miniature sheets, each containing six postage stamps. Each sheet has the same background, featuring a soldier in uniform on the right (large format) with smaller reproductions of other soldiers in uniform. At the top of each sheet, in an oval to the left, there are the same portraits of Tony Blair and George W. Bush with the slogan "Victory in Iraq". The top right-hand corner is inscribed in English "UNIFORMS OF WORLD WAR II". Each postage stamp depicts a solider in Second World War uniform, armed or unarmed, of different rank. Each postage stamp also depicts a woman in a state of some undress, sitting in a different position. Each stamp on each sheet is inscribed with a value of 350 F, the year 2003 and the Scouts and Rotary logos. Three miniature sheets, each containing nine postage stamps, each of which features a woman, semi-naked and/or naked and in a provocative pose. The sheets are inscribed respectively at the top "Earle K. Bergey", "Julie Bell" and "Michael Möbius". From left to right, the stamps are inscribed with values of 100f, 150f, 200f, 250f, 300f, 350f, 400f, 450f and 500f and are dated 2003. There are various depictions associated with the persons concerned in the margins of each miniature sheet. *These miniature sheets are sold in euros in perforated, imperforate and first day cover formats. Pictures – Paintings One vertical miniature sheet comprising a set of nine postage stamps, each of which depicts a painting of a naked woman. From left to right, the stamps are inscribed with values of 100f, 150f, 200f, 250f, 300f, 350f, 400f, 450f and 500f and with the name of the painter or painting and the year 2003. Other images of nudes are reproduced in the margins. One vertical miniature sheet comprising a set of six postage stamps, each of which depicts a painting of several naked persons. From left to right, the stamps are inscribed with values of 100f, 200f, 200f, 300f, 300f and 500f and with the name of the painter or painting and the year 2003. Other images of nudes are reproduced in the margins. The miniature sheet is inscribed “Museo National del Prado” at the top. Vehicles – transport (aircraft, trains, classic cars, fire engines) Aircraft *Five horizontal miniature sheets, each containing six postage stamps. At the top of each miniature sheet, in the middle, there is the inscription "THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD AIRCRAFT" in English. In the top left-hand corner of each sheet, in an oval, there are portraits of Tony Blair and George W. Bush with the slogan "Victory in Iraq". Each postage stamp depicts a solider in Second World War uniform, alongside an aircraft. Each postage stamp on each miniature sheet is inscribed with a value of 500 F along with an illegible year. The Scouts logo also appears alongside the country name "REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D'IVOIRE". The background of each miniature sheet features men in uniform and aircraft. Trains Two miniature sheets, each depicting a locomotive in the background and each containing a postage stamp depicting a type of train. Each stamp is inscribed with an illegible value and year. Each miniature sheet is inscribed "Steam Railways" at the bottom. One horizontal miniature sheet comprising a set of three se-tenant postage stamps, each of which features a different type of train. Each stamp is inscribed with an illegible value and year. Other images of trains are depicted in the background of the miniature sheet. Each miniature sheet is inscribed "Steam Railways" at the top and bottom. Classic cars One miniature sheet with a background illustration of various car parts containing six postage stamps each depicting an old classic car whose name is inscribed on the stamp. Each postage stamp is inscribed with a value of 100 F and the year 2002 or 2003. The sheet is inscribed "Classic Automobiles" in English at the top. Fire engines *Five miniature sheets with background illustrations of various fire engines and inscribed at the top centre "Les voitures d’incendie". In the bottom right-hand corner of each miniature sheet there is a postage stamp depicting another fire engine. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 150 F and an illegible year. Each stamp also contains the "Scouts" logo. *Two miniature sheets with background illustrations of various fire engines and inscribed at the top left "Les voitures d’incendie". There is a depiction of Concorde with the inscription "Concorde" in the top right-hand corner. Each miniature sheet comprises six postage stamps, each featuring a different fire engine. Each stamp is inscribed with a value of 300 F and an illegible year, along with the "Scouts" logo in the top left or right-hand corner. *These sheets are sold in euros in perforated, imperforate and first day cover format. Note. – The illegal postage stamp issues produced in the name of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire and already reported (UPU circular No. 269 of 28 July 2003) are unfortunately still being circulated on the philatelic market. These consist of a number of miniature sheets comprising six stamps each inscribed with a value of 100 F, the year 2002 and the International Rotary or Scouts emblem, relating to a number of themes: – seashells, fauna (dogs, butterflies), flora (orchids); – famous people (Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe); – sport (motorcycle racing, motorbikes, table tennis); – vehicles (vintage cars, fire engines, trains).
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