Gibraltar stamps commemorate early residents of the territory

By Linn’s Staff

Gibraltar commemorated the territory’s prehistoric Neanderthal residents May 8 with two stamps issued as part of the 2025 Europa theme of National Archaeological Discoveries.

The design of a stamp denominated £1.96 features a depiction of two Neanderthals, and a £3.16 stamp shows a Neanderthal skull.

Neanderthals roamed Europe and parts of Asia beginning around 400,000 years ago and may have inhabited Gibraltar as recently as about 32,000 years ago, according to evidence found in the territory.

Two significant discoveries of Neanderthal skulls occurred in Gibraltar. In 1848 the discovery of the skull of an adult Neanderthal woman, depicted on the £3.16 stamp, predated knowledge of Neanderthals as a distinct species, and 1926 saw the discovery of a second Neanderthal skull, this time fragments from the skull of a child.

More significant evidence from Neanderthals in Gibraltar can be found in the Gorham’s Cave Complex, which the United Nations designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

According to the UNESCO website: “These caves have provided extensive evidence of Neanderthal life, including rare evidence of exploitation of birds and marine animals for food; and use of bird feathers and abstract rock engravings, both indicating new evidence of the cognitive abilities of the Neanderthals.”

The stamps were designed by Stephen Perera using illustrations by Jonathan Pointer. They were printed by Cartor Security Printers by offset lithography. Each stamp measures 40 millimeters by 30mm, and an available miniature sheet is 105mm by 71mm.

Other products in the issue include first-day covers, presentation packs and maximum cards.

The May 8 Gibraltar stamps are available at the WOPA+ Stamps and Coins website. Further information also is available on the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau’s website.

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