Centenary of the International Federation of Philately (FIP)

In 2026, the world of collecting celebrates an exceptional milestone: the centenary of the International Federation of Philately (FIP).

Founded in Paris on June 18, 1926, by a visionary group of national federations, the FIP was born with the firm purpose of structuring, promoting, and safeguarding the art of philately globally. Today, one hundred years later, it stands as the leading organization uniting millions of collectors from all five continents.

This special issue not only pays tribute to an institution, but to the very essence of the postage stamp. During this century, the FIP has transformed the act of collecting into a rigorous scientific and cultural discipline, establishing standards for world exhibitions and fostering historical research through philatelic literature.

Under its guidance, the stamp has transcended its function as a means of payment to become an ambassador of peace, culture, and the collective memory of nations.

The design of this stamp commemorates a history dedicated to building bridges, showcasing the personal interaction that this hobby has fostered for one hundred years.

In an increasingly digital world, the FIP has successfully adapted collecting to the changing times, encouraging youth participation and ensuring that every piece of perforated paper continues to tell a story.

Celebrating 100 years of the FIP is celebrating the preservation of humanity's graphic heritage.

Through this stamp, we invite collectors and the general public to recognize the work of an organization that has made philately a universal language.

A century of passion, study, and international friendship that today looks to the future with the same enthusiasm with which the first letter was mailed back in 1926.

The design is a drawing by Eire Terrero Cumbre, a member of the USK urban sketchers movement. This drawing was created during a session held by the USK Bahía de Cádiz group during the 2025 National Philatelic Exhibition in November.

The movement has chapters in various cities around the world and has an eight-point manifesto, which includes the following principles: we draw "in situ," indoors or outdoors, directly capturing what we observe; by drawing, we document a specific place and time; we help each other and draw as a group; we are faithful to the scenes we witness; and we show the world one drawing at a time.