Latest batch of commemorative stamps for the Rio 2016 Olympics released

By Colin Sallee

1. Judo, volleyball, soccer featured on new batch Rio 2016 Olympics stamps

The stamps, which were launched in conjunction with their being 500 days left until the games begin, feature a number of sports: golf, handball, taekwondo, table tennis and triathlon, to name a few. 

There will be 31 different designs in total, reflecting the fact that Rio 2016 will be the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. The last group of 11 will be launched in November. 

Read more on the Rio 2016 website. 

2. Britain commemorates the Rugby World Cup

England will host the eighth Rugby World Cup Sept. 18 through Oct. 31, and Royal Mail will issue eight stamps for the event on the opening day.

The stamps are in four se-tenant (side-by-side) pairs.

3. Fairytale wolf hits the U.N. stamp press with significant message

The full collection, meant to take a stand against gender issues, child labor, and armed violence are intriguing. 

For more information about the UNICEF initiative, visit the website.

4. The Eye of the Tiger? On French stamps, yes

France’s La Poste issued the 12 self-adhesive stamps July 31 in a single booklet.

5. Hot topics

Read the top three stories of the last couple of days:

1. Exhibition of secrets revealed on postcards opens at postal museum
2. Fleischmann U.S. revenues achieve impressive results at Kelleher sale
3. New British labels picture Statue of Liberty, other foreign ports