STAMPS OF BURMA (1937-1988)

BRITISH OCCUPIED PERIOD ISSUED STAMPS (1937-45)

There was no postal system and no records of using stamps in Burma during the rule of Burmese Kings.  Burmese used local messengers and volunteer carriers to send letters.

Burma had been an autonomous country for hundreds of years before being defeated in three wars with the British. When Burma was incorporated into the British Empire, it was not as an independent new colony, but as a division of the  province of India. Under British occupancy, British authorities set up an official postal system in Burma. 

By 1827 Akyab Post Office was established, and by 1837 there were four sub-offices: Kyauk Phyu, Ramree, Sandway and Moulmein. Records showed that British Army General A. Godwin sent Mr. C. M. Crisp as a post officer for the military after the British occupied the Lower Burma in 1852. Postal services were developed from the military needs of the Burmese War with the British. Mr. Crisp was appointed as Rangoon Postmaster on September, 1852 and tried to develop the stuffs and postal works. 

Burma became a self-governing unit of the British Commonwealth and received a constitution on April 1, 1937. Therefore, the first stamps of Burma appeared on April 1, 1937. These were stamps of India used between 1926 to 1936, with the overprint of the word "BURMA" in black. The face values were in the Indian Monetary System of Pies (Ps), Annas (As) and Rupees (Rs).

The First Provisional Stamp Designs 

"Provisional" is a term descriptive of a stamp of a temporary nature and deemed to be a short-issue stamp employed pending the omission of definitive issue. The first provisional stamps of Burma were sold on April 1, 1937, which was the day of political and administratively separation of Burma from India. 

The two different sizes of these overprinted stamps were in 18 face values (from 3 Pies to 25 Rupees) and colors. Pre-dating the overprinted "provisional" stamps, Indian stamps were used in Burma both for public and official postal purposes. The overprint of the word BURMA appeared on these stamps on top of the stamp where it was inscribed INIDA POSTAGE. Only on the face value stamp of 3 Annas the word BURMA overprint was at the bottom of the stamp. 

For official purposes stamps were overprinted of the word “SERVICE.” For the official use, only the 14 face values (from 3 pies to 10 Rupees) stamps were overprinted with the word “SERVICE.” The stamps were also used for the accounting of customs revenue on foreign parcels, for the payment of radio licence fees, and payment of charges on telegrams, cables and radiograms. 

The First Definitive Postage Stamps 

A definitive issue is a stamp or series of stamps published for general use over the specific period. After King George V died in 1936, a definitive set of George VI stamps was issued in 1938. Between 1938-40, four designs of George VI stamps were printed in 12 colors and face values. On August 1, 1940, one more stamp of 1 Pie face value was added to the set by the advise of U Ba Hlaing, a member of British Burma House of Representatives. 

The face value 1 Pie (red orange), 3 Pies (violet), 6 Pies (ultra marine) and 9 Pies (yellowish green) stamps are of the same design. It shows the head of George VI wearing the crown. Frame for the profile is formed by two chindits (lions) back to back facing outwards to the left and to the right. The 1 Anna (brown violet), 1.5 Annas (turquoise green), 2 Annas (carmine) and 4 Annas (slate blue) face value stamps are same design with two mythological dragons protecting a profile of the King's head from the right and left-hand sides.

  












                                                              1938 CIVIL issue

                                                                  1938 SERVICE issue


One of the 1938 George VI definitive set (lower value) stamp design is the head of the king appears on the drawing of a dancing peacock’s tail. The face values and colors of this design are: 1 Rupee, bright ultra and dark violet; and 2 Rupees, dark violet and red brown. Another design of this same set (high values) depicts the king's head between two motifs of spiritual protectors. The figure of the spiritual being, robed in full regalia, facing front and flanking either side of the profile of King George VI, is portrayed to denote spiritualness, watchfulness and guardianship. The face values and colors of this design are: 5 Rupees, carmine and dull violet; and 10 Rupees, gray green and brown.

First Postage Stamps Designed by the Burmese

At the end of July 1937, the Government of Burma advertised a public competition for the issue of a new series of postage stamps. Two hundred fifty-two designs were entered. The result of this public competition sponsored by the Government was the first definitive postage stamps of Burma.

A Royal Barge ( 2 Annas 6 Pies, rose lake) designed by Maung Kyi, a Burmese farmer plowing a rice field( 3 Annas 6 Pies, deep blue & black) designed by Maung Ohn, an elephant moving a teak log( 3 Annas, dark violet), designed by Maung Hlaine, and a Sailboat on the Irrawaddy River ( 8 Annas, slate green) designed by N.K.D. Naigamwalla were prize winning designs selected to be reproduced on stamps. On the right hand side of all the four stamp designs show the profile of King George VI wearing the Imperial State Crown with all the other royal trappings appears in an oval frame. These stamps were printed by the Security Printing Press, Nasik Security Printing Press, India and put on sale on November 15, 1938. 

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The Commemoration Postage Stamp

On May 6, 1940 for the commemoration of the 100th year of the use of postage stamps, the British Burma Postal Authorities surcharged the "Royal Barge" (2 Annas 6Pies, rose lake) with 1 Anna, and overprinted on it "COMMEMORATION POSTAGE STAMP 6TH MAY 1840."

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JAPANESE OCCUPIED PERIOD ISSUED STAMPS 

(1942-45)

When the Japanese came into Burma in 1942, postal stamps were issued not only by the Japanese military administrative authority but also by the Burmese Independence  Army (BIA) who  authorized  regional administrative organizations. 

The BIA and patriotic Burmese (Master or thakin) set up Peace Preservation Committee and took the administration of the districts from which the British Administration had withdrawn, and became the de facto government. The first acts of the BIA administration was to start the postal services and function again. 

There were three categories postage stamps issuing during the Japanese occupation period, 1942-44. 

(1) Overprinting of pre-war or foreign stamps for use in Burma -- including the peacock of delta zone or King George stamps with special emphasis on the obliteration of the King's head and the Nippon overprints, converting current Japanese stamps by overprinting the Burmese currency of that time.

(2) Provisional issue -- designed and printed in Rangoon. These include Yano seal, farmer type, Burmese crest, and independence commemorative issues in 1942-43.

(3) The definitive issues -- stamp designs for the Shan state that were printed in Java. Later these stamps were subsequently overprinted during 1943-44.

Peacock Overprint Stamps

Documents showed that Japanese occupation forces authorized to the postmasters of several delta post office to use the stamps of the British issues the they had in stock, provided that the head of the King was adequately obliterated with some Burmese insignia, and the Peacock was suggested. Therefore regional administrative authorities initially used the postage stamps of the definitive series of King George V and VI postage stamps by overprinting the Burmese emblem, peacock, in black or blue or red ink. The BIA used more than seven different types of dancing peacock seals: Henzada (type I and II), Myaungmya (type I and II on small stamps; III on the Rupee values and “Office Use” on 8 Annas respectively) Pyapon and other unknown types. 

The original design shows a  peacock in its pride, a dacing peacock perched on an upturned arc of a circle. Henzada type I dancing peacock has unfolded tail nine feathers. The outline of the head with its plume and out stretched wings are clearly separated from unfolded tail. The Henzada type II design peacock is very much like the Henzada type I. The peacock’s legs in type II are connecting each other at the body, and the angle of the left side leg is not shown as type I. The outline of the head with its plume, body, wings and unfolded tail are not clear. 

The design of Myangmya type I dancing peacock has only five feathers with the eye shaped ends. The unturned arc is thinner than Hendzada types. The legs are stretching higher than Henzada type peacocks. The outline of the head with its plume and out stretched wings are clearly separated from unfolded tail with a clear white space. The over print dancing peacock Myaungmya type II has nine unfolded tail feathers. The upturned arc is thicker than type I and have pointing edges. The plume, head and neck are clearly separated from the unfolded tail by a white space. 

The design of Myaungmya type III is different from others peacock overprints because this peacock is enclosed in a circular frame of four segments. The outline of the head with its plume and out stretched wings are clearly separated from unfolded tail with a clear white space. This overprint was used on the high value 1 Rupee and 2 Rupees stamps of 1938. The Pyapon type peacock has 12 tail feathers distinctly apart from each other and not standing on any base. 
This overprint was used to obliterate the George VI face values 1A, 2A, 4A and 2P of 1938 issue.  The Official Stamp for this period is a design of a dancing peacock with  a black bar for obliterating the previous overprint, the word SERVICE on the stamp to be overprinted.   This official stamp design was used on stamps, Sail Boat on Irrawaddy (the face value 8 Annas, slate green) 1938 issue. All these peacock seals came out around May 1942.                                                         

Yano's  Seal Stamp

The Japanese  Military administrative authorities, during the occupation of Rangoon, appointed Mr. Yano Shizuo as the Postmaster General of the Burma Postal Department, with a local rank of an army general. Immediately after taking over the appointment Gen. Yano took steps to issue a unique stamp for the Burma Postal Department.  His personal signature  seal in vermilion was used for stamps without the name of the country, face value, or adhesive. These were first sold on June 1, 1942. 

The stamps were done in small shops in the bazaars. Printing was done with a hand or treadle machine and perforation chiefly with a needle machine of the hand type. Ink soon became scarce and paper after a time almost unobtainable.

Farmer Stamp

Yano Shizuo and his assistant Aoi Takeo soon produced another design type stamp of a farmer plowing in a  field with palm trees in the background. The central design was taken from the 3.5 Annas  face value of the King George VI (1938 issue), which depicted a farmer with a bullock plowing a field. Mr. Kato Tadashi designed this stamp.

The stamps were printed in scarlet, with the word Burma and the face value of the stamp (one Anna) written in Japanese. That stamp was printed by the Rangoon Gazette Press and sold for postal use on June 15, 1942. An added surcharge was placed on the stamp on October 15 of the same year. 

Showa Stamps

Yano found a shortage of printing supplies to print stamps in Burma and therefore obtained from the Japanese postal authorities stamps of ten face values (1 to 30 Sen). These stamps were known as the "Showa series." These are: 

1. Two girls harvesting (fawn)  

2. The face of General Nogi (crim)

3. A Hydro Power station (green)  

4. The Lake Kamikochi (claret) 

5. The Diamond Mountains of Korea (deep green)

6. The face of Admiral Togo (dark green)

7. The Meiji shrine, Tokyo (dark purple & violet)

8. The Yomei gate, Nikko (lake)

9. The Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms (ultra)

10.The Torii of Miyajima Shrine (greenish blue)

Yano had them surcharged with a new value in black or red ink for use in Burma and put on sale in October 1942. The Showa Japanese postage stamps used in Burma during their occupation period exists with surcharges in three variations: (1) with the original face value surcharged to Anna (2) with the original face value surcharged to Anna and re-surcharged to Cent (3) with the original face value surcharged directly to Cent.

  

Burmese State Government Crest Stamp 

On the verge of Burma's independence from Japan in 1943, the Burma State Government issued its first postage stamp of a very simple design in carmine. It showed a rising sun with radiating rays and displayed a Burmese helmet belonging to a warrior with a pair of crossed Burmese swords. In Burmese lettering "Burmese State Government" appears on the stamp. The designers were U Tun Tin and Maung Tin with the initial drawing done by U Ba Than. The value of this stamp was 5 cents. These stamps were first sold to the public on February 15, 1943, and intended to cover the embossed George VI envelope stamp and generally was sold affixed to such envelopes.

New Farmer Stamps

1. "The farmer plowing the paddy field" stamp was first sold in June 1942. It came out as a definitive series with the new currency of Cents in face value. There were eight stamps in the series: 1 Cent (deep orange), 2 Cents (yellowish green), 3 Cents (blue), 5 Cents (carmine), 10 Cents (brownish violet), 15 Cents (red violet), 20 Cents (dull purple), and 30 Cents (bluish green). These stamps were sold to the public in March of 1943.

Independence Commemorative Issue Stamps

On August 1, 1943, the Burmese Government issued a set of stamps to commemorate the independence granted from Japan on that date. The designs for these stamps were obtained by open competition with 26 entries. The final selections were made on July 19, 1943 by political leaders Thakin Ba Sein and U Ba Win. 

The 1 Cent stamp (orange) was designed by Ba Tint and shows a young Burmese soldier with a rifle on his back, chiseling the word "Independence" on a block of wood, using his bayonet and a hammer.  At the top are the words "Government of Burma" and at the bottom "Postage 1 Cent."  The rising sun forms a background and in the left center, one finds the Government crest.  

The 3 Cent stamp (blue) designed by Ohn Maung, depicts a young Burmese man holding aloft a spray of leaves from the Aung-tha-bye (eugenia species) tree in his right hand.  In his left hand he holds the national flag.  At the top is written "Burma Independence" and at the bottom "Postage stamp."  In the four corners of the frame are drawings of a Brahmini Duck, a religious emblem carved on a number of pillars on the grounds of various pagodas. 

The 5 Cent stamp (rose) designed by Maung Soi Yi, displays a young Burmese man in traditional military uniform marching with the national flag on his shoulder. At the top are the words "In commemoration of Independence" and at the bottom "5 Cents Postage."

The Java Set 

During 1943, there was a serious shortage of paper and printing material in Rangoon  for the production of stamps. The Japan Army Administration, therefore, arranged for a new set of stamps to be prepared in Java, where better and modern printing facilities existed. This stamp set is called the "Java set." 

On October 1, 1943, the government of the Burma State sold its first definitive stamps in three designs. The first design was a Burmese girl carrying a water jar on her head (1 C, deep Solomon; 2 C, yellow green; 3 C, violet). The second design was an elephant carrying a teak log (face values 5 C, rose; 10 C, blue; 15 C, vermilion; 20 C, yellow green; 30 C, brown). The third design was a Watch tower of Mandalay Palace (face values 1 R, vermilion and 2 R, violet).  

Shan Stamps

At about the same time, definitive stamps for the Shan state were issued at 7 face values (from 1 to 30 Cents) in two designs. The common design for (1 C, 2 C, 3 C, 5 C) stamps depict a bullock cart.  The common design of (10 C, 20 C and 30 C) stamps show a Shan woman in national head dress. The colors of these stamps were: 1C, brown; 2C, yellow green; 3C, violet; 5C, ultra; 10C, blue; 20C, rose; and 30C, brown. At the top, in Japanese, is written "Postage Stamp" and below in different characters "Shan." These stamps were printed by G. Kolff & Co., Batavia, Java. A month later, on November 1, 1943, the administration of the Shan states came under the Burma State Government of Dr. Ba Maw, and the Shan state stamps were overprinted in black with lettering in Burmese translated as "Burma State." 

  

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BRITISH MILITARY ADMINISTRATION PERIOD 

ISSUED STAMPS(1945-48)

MILY ADMN (military administration) Overprint Stamps

During the  period of the Japanese occupation of Burma from 1942 to 1945, British Burma stamps were displaced by stamps introduced by the Japanese. In 1945, the British military recaptured Burma (taking over Rangoon on May 6, 1945) and British civilian authorities  took over the administration from the British Military on January 1, 1946. 

With the British reoccupation, the 1938-40 series of the first definitive stamps set was overprinted with the word "MILY ADMN" in black. Face values were from 1 Pie to 10 Rupees. These stamps were printed by the Security Printing Press, Nasik, India.

All  stamps of 16 face values of 1938-40 were reissued with a change in colors in 1945, and 15 face values (from 3 Pies to 10 Rupees) were reprinted with change in colors again and sold on January 1, 1946.  

Victory Commemoration Stamps 

The British Burma authorities issued a new design set by A.G.I. McGeogh of four  stamps on May 2, 1946 to commemorate their victory of the Allied Nations in WW II. 

One of the four designs for this set was in violet and depicts a Burmese lady in modern dress with an open Burmese parasol over her head. Postage value was 1.5 Annas. 

The second design, carmine, was a seated lion (mythological chinze, symbol of protection) facing towards the head of the King. Postage value was 2 As.  An elephant with mahout hauling a log of timber with a trained keeper astride was the  third design (ultra marine) for 3 Annas 6 Pies. The last design for 9 Pies, peacock green, was a young Burmese wearing the characteristic Burmese head dress and jacket. The background of all four designs were a outline map of Burma (showing that Andaman Island as part of Burma), bounded at the top and right by the panel inscribed "BURMA" and the oval medallion respectively. These four valued stamps were not called the victory issue until June 28, 1946. These stamps were printed by the Nasik Security Printing Press of India. These were the last stamp designs of British colonial rule in Burma.

Burmese Interim Government Stamps

When there was a likelihood of gaining Burma Independence, most of the offices were run by the Burmese interim government. The British authority could no longer issue new stamps.  A King George VI set of 15 face values on fifteen different colors, issued on January 1, 1946, were overprinted in black or red with "interim government" in Burmese language. These stamps were put on sale on October 1,1947 and were used until out of stock. 

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INDEPENDENT BURMA ISSUED STAMPS (1948-62) 

Independence Commemoration Issue Stamps

This issue symbolized the transfer of sovereignty to the Union of Burma which  gained its national independence on January 4, 1948. According to the Chapter 1, Section 1 of the Constitution of 1947, Burma is Sovereign Independent Republic to be known as “The Union of Burma.”  However, the first stamp of independent Burma was shown as “BURMA” incorrectly. 

The design of the 1948 Burma independence commemoration issue was identical and  followed in all details, the design of the  carmine 2 Annas  Burma postage  stamp of the victory commemoration  issue. This stamp depicts the guardian lion, but instead of King George VI  in profile in the oval medallion one finds, facing front, the head and shoulders of Aung San, the architect of Burma's freedom. This commemorative set's denominations and colors are: This commemorative set's denominations and colors are: 

1. .5 Annas, emerald; 
2. 1 Anna, deep rose; 
3. 2 Annas, carmine; 
4. 3.5 Annas, blue; 
5. 8 Annas, light chocolate. 

This commemorative set was actually first sold on Jaunaruy 6, 1948. The designer was A.G. I. McGeogh and printed by Thomas De la Rue & Co., Ltd., United Kingdom.

Martyrs' Memorial Issue Stamps

This issue was designed to commemorate the mournful memory and anniversary of the political martyrdom of Burma's late leaders, Aung San and his cabinet colleagues who were assassinated on July 19, 1947. This set used the same design in 12 different colors. The name of the country for this issue correctly appeared as UNION OF BURMA. The memorial building for fallen heroes was depicted at the center of the design. Unfortunately, after the military took power over the country in 1988, the memorial building was destroyed and the bodies of the fallen heroes were removed.

There were many errors in the Burmese language alphabets and wordings for this issue. Twelve face value stamps (from 3 Pies to 5 Rupees) were printed in 12 different colors. This memorial issues’ denominations and colors are: 3 Pias, ultramarine; 6 Pias, green; 9 Pias, deep carmine; 1 Anna, purple; 2 Annas, lilac rose; 3.5 Annas, dark slate green; 4 Annas, yellow brown; 8 Annas, orange red; 12 Annas, claret; 1 Rupee, blue green; 2 Rupees, deep blue; 5 Rupees, chocolate. These stamps were printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co., Ltd. and put on sale on July 19, 1948.

First Anniversary of Independence Stamps

The first anniversaries of independence stamps were issued with the words "Union of Burma." Eleven designs were produced for this first anniversary issue and  were sold on January 4, 1949. The face values were still in the Indian Monetary System and the stamps were printed by De La Rue & Co., Ltd. 

Design 1 (3 Pies, ultramarine) is a picture of a group of young Burmese men playing cane ball (chin-lone). Burmese cane ball is a dexterous Burmese national game played by a team. 

Design 2 (6 Pies, green) is a Burmese girl, attired in the court dress in vogue, dancing in a characteristic classic pose.

Design 3 (9 Pies, carmine) is a Burmese girl in court dress playing a Burmese harp. 

Design 4 (1 Annas, red orange) is the Great Bell of the Min-Gun Pagoda. This is the largest existing bell in the world.

Design 5 (2 Annas, orange) is a legendary mythical duck of high caste (Hintha) and printed in orange. Hintha is a national emblem of Burma during the 16th century – Hanthawaddy period of King Bayint-naung of the Taungoo dynasty.  

Design 6 (2 Annas 6 Pies, lilac rose) is a group of cultivators at work in a paddy field. 

Design 7 (3 Annas, purple) is a Burmese woman in modern dress using a spinning wheel.

Design 8 (3 Annas 6 Pies, dark slate green)is the architectural design of the Royal Palace in Mandalay, the Burmese capital at the time of Kings.  The main design portrays the golden palace with watch tower in the background at the left. It is fine example of Burmese architectural design with wood-carvings.

Design 9 (4 Annas, chocolate) is picture of working men at teak logging and an elephant, with mahout astride, hauling teak. The stamp publicizes the timber industry which is one of Burma's  main industries.

Design 10 (8 Annas, carmine) is a cultivator with his yoke of oxen, plowing  a paddy. This picture represents the initial stage in the process of paddy cultivation, and the design as a whole is a symbolic of Burma's Rice Industry, which is one of the main sources of livelihood.

Design 11 is the Lion Royal Throne (Siha sa-na) of the Burmese Kings. The lion throne was used by the Burmese Kings in presiding at the Council of Ministers. These stamps can be found in four face values: 1 Rupee in blue green, 2 Rupees in deep blue, 5 Rupees in chocolate, and 10 Rupees in orange red. 

These stamps (First Anniversary of Independence Stamps) were printed again in 1952-53 in different colors but still in the Indian monetary system. This set of stamps were reprinted again in January 4, 1954 in Burmese currency values - Pya(s)and Kyat(s). 

Universal Postal Union 75th Anniversary Commemoration Stamps

The design of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) 75th anniversary commemoration issue is a picture of the UPU monument at Berne, Switzerland. This commemorative set's denominations and colors are: 2 Annas, orange; 3.5 Annas, olive green; 6 Annas, lilac; 8 Annas, crimson; 12.5 Annas, ultra; 1 Rupee, blue green. The face values were still in the Indian Monetary System. These stamps were printed by De La Rue & Co. Ltd., and put on sale to the public on October 9, 1949.

Fifth Anniversary of Independence Stamp 

In 1953, three denominations of the "Pyidawtha" or “Welfare State” Stamps were issued. The common design is a map of Burma and the Independence Monument. There is a slogan in Burmese "Pleasant Country or Welfare State, alleviation and deliverance from anxiety for clothing and feeding,  mitigation and release from worries for residing and existing." For the first time, the face values were in the Burmese Monetary System. Three face values 14, 20 and 25 Pyas of these stamps are in green, salmon pink and ultra marine. This fifth-anniversary independence stamps were printed in two different sizes by the Security Printing Press, Nasik. These stamps were on sale for the public on January 4, 1953. The face value 14 Pyas stamp was surcharged with 15 Pyas in 1961.

Sixth Buddhist Council Stamps

The Government of the Union of Burma issued six design stamps to commemorate the Sixth Great Buddhist Council Inaugural. These stamps are also known as "The Chattha Sangayana inauguration commemorative issue stamps or Synod stamps" Six different face values in six different colors were printed. These stamps depict representatives of the monastic communities, Sanghas of the nations of South East Asia approaching the cave assembly-hall. In the corner of each is an inset showing a pagoda in the home country of the monks shown. 


  10 Pyas value design in deep blue – The Sangiti Mahapasana rock cave where the 6th Buddhist Council was held is in the back ground. The Sangha (community) of Cambodia are marching towards the cave with Tri-Pitakas in their hands.  The inset is the Buddhist Monastery of Cambodia.

15 Pyas value design in deep claret – The Kuthodaw Pagoda of Mandalay is in the background. The mountain at the right denotes the marble slab transcription of the tri-pitakas of 5th Buddhist Council. Five monks are in the foreground representing the Sangha of the five countries participating in the 6th Buddhist Council.

35 Pyas value design in dark brown – Thiri Mingala mount rock cave with the World's Peace Pagoda is in the foreground. The rock cave is at the center, the dormitories forming the group in the background.

50 Pyas value design in green-The Wat Arun of Bangkok is in the background while the Sangha of Thailand is marching towards the cave with Tri Pitakas in the foreground.

1 Kyat value design in carmine – The Sangha of Ceylon are proceeding towards the cave holding Tri-Pitakas in their hands. The inset is the Buddhist Temple at Kanday.

2 Kyats value designin in violet – The Sangha of Laos are proceeding towards the cave. The inset is the Buddhist Monastery of Laos. 

The designers for this set of stamps are well-known Burmese artists, U Ngwe Gaing (35 and 50 Pyas), U Ba Kyi (10 Pyas and 2 Kyats) and U Ba Moe (15 Pyas and 1 Kyat). These stamps were put on sale to the public on May 17, 1954, and printed by the Security Printing Press at Nasik, India. 

2500 Buddha Jayanti Commemoration (2500th Anniversary of Buddha Era) Stamps

Prime Minister U Nu built Burma as a Buddhist State. His government issued stamps displayed Buddhist activities. The first design of this set is the Kuthodaw Pagoda (Mandalay) and it depicts the 729 stone slabs on which are inscribed the whole Tri-Pitakas approved by the fifth Great Buddhist synod convened by King Mindon. This design is face value 20 Pyas in green and lemon.

The second design is That-Byin-Nyu Pagoda in Pagan built by Alaung Si-Thu (1144 AD). Face value of this design is 40 Pyas in blue and bright yellow green. The third design in Yellow and slate, face value 60 Pyas, is a aerial view of Burma's glory Shwedagon Pagoda, Rangoon. The forth design, in blue, is the world peace pagoda, Thiri Mingala plateau at Yegu. Face value is 1 Kyat 25 Pyas. These commemoration stamps were printed by John Enschede Zenen, Haarlem, Holand and issued on May 24, 1956.

Centenary of the founding of the Mandalay City Commemorative Postage Stamps

To commemorate the one hundredth year of the founding of Mandalay, the capital of the Burmese Kingdom, three stamps were issued on November 7, 1959. The first design was the Royal Palace of Mandalay with a watch tower design of 1952 definitive issue, in light red orange. Existing face value 25 Pyas was cancelled and 15 Pyas printed instead. The second design was the Burmese Royal Throne, also the design of the definitive issue of 1954, and printed two face values: 1 Kyat (violet) and 2 Kyats (green). These commemorative stamps were overprinted with the Burmese words, meaning "Centenary of Mandalay1221-1321" in black ink.  

2nd SEAP Games Stamps

The second South East Asia Peninsular Games were held at Rangoon from December 11 to 16, 1961. To honor the games, a set of four (15 Pyas, 25 Pyas, 50 Pyas and 1 Kyat) postage stamps was issued. The 15 Pyas stamp is a picture of a running torch bearer, in the back ground are Sule Pagoda, City Hall, the Independence Monument printed in red and blue. The 25 Pyas stamp design (green and ocher) depicts the pictures of contestants at the SEAP games with the elephants hauling the logs in the background. The 50 Pyas stamp (pink and purple) show the picture of women competitors taking part in a running event. 1 Kyat value stamp (yellow and green) depicts hurdling, weight lifting, boxing, bicycling and swimming with background edifice of a Burmese architectural structure. These stamps were designed by U Ba Moe (25, 50 Pyas and I Kyat) and Mon San Tin (15 Pyas).

UNICEF Foundation Day Commemorative Stamp

As a member of the UN, Burma  was involved in the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). To commemorate the 15th anniversary of UNICEF the government of Burma issued a stamp, the face value 15 Pyas, depicting Burmese children playing (children's hurdles) with the UN crest and UNICEF 1961 at the right in English, and in Burmese at the top of the stamp. U Mya designed this stamp. These stamps were in rose claret and issued on December 11, 1961. The printer's name, Thomas De La Rue & Co., Ltd, appeared at the bottom of the main design of the stamp.

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REVOLUTION COUNCIL & BSPP ISSUED STAMPS 

(1962-1988)

First anniversary of Revolutionary Council commemorative Stamp

This stamp contains an outline of the map of Burma and the red flag with a white star from the revolution. At the center of the map, the date "2 MAR 62" described as the sign of 1st anniversary of Revolutionary Government of Union of Burma. The color of the stamp is crimson red and face value is 15 Pyas. The stamp was printed by Messrs Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. Tokyo and put on sale on March 2, 1963.

Freedom From Hunger Stamps

To support the decision of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to establish the world campaign against hunger, Burma issued special postage stamps. Two stamp designs, 1954 definitive issue of 10 Pyas in yellowish green and 50 Pyas in blue. These designs were originally the designs of the 1949 first anniversary independence issue stamps, a cultivator with his yoke of oxen plowing a paddy, and a group of cultivators at work in a paddy field. The currency of the stamps were changed to the Burmese Monetary System. These stamps were overprinted with the words "FREEDOM FROM HUNGER" in the center of the stamps in violet and red colors. These stamps were sold to the public on March 21, 1963.

1963 Workers' Day Stamp

To honor the world labor day (1st May), Burma issued a stamp.  That stamp was a original design of the first anniversary independence stamp of 1949, reissued in 1954, the drawing of a Burmese woman weaving, overprinted with the words "Workers' Day, 1963" in the center of the stamp in black. This vermilion color stamp was put on sale on May 1, 1963 with face value of 20 Pyas.

Birds Series stamps

On the "Burmese New Year's Day," April 16, 1964, the Burmese government issued a set of stamps (8 designs) featuring Burmese birds. 

The first design was a drawings of a white browned fential fly catcher. Its striking feature is the tail, cocked and spread out like a fan. This bird is of bold and confiding nature. The colors of this design are 1 Pya stamp in gray, 2 Pyas stamp in carmine and 3 Pyas in blue green.  

The second design was a picture of a roller, a blue bird with rufous brown breast, blue abdomen and under tail. The colors of this design are 5 Pyas stamp in violet, 10 Pyas stamp in orange brown and 15 Pyas stamp in olive colors.  

The third design (20 Pyas) was drawing of a red-whiskered Bulbul, a small bird with upstanding pointed black crest, red whiskers and red under tail patch.  The background colors of this design were rose brown. 

The fourth design(25 Pyas) was a pictur of a Crested Serpent Eagle,  a large brown bird with a prominent black and white crest at back of head. This stamp was in lemon yellow background. 

The fifth design of this set, a face value 50 Pyas stamp depicts a Burmese Sarus Crane on pink background. The birds keep in pairs and are very devoted and close companions feeding together a few yards apart. Their devotion to each other has earned them a degree of popular sentiment amounting to sanctity. If one bird is killed, the survivor of the pair will haunt the scene of the outrage for weeks crying distractedly, and has even died of grief. This stamp was in red, black and gray.  

The sixth design face value 1 Kyat was a drawing of a Burmese Pied Hornbill, a big bird with an enormous bill and also with a horny excrescence on the top of the head known as a casque. This stamp was in gray and yellow. 

The seventh design of this set face value 2 Kyats was a drawing of a Silver Pheasant in pale olive and red. 

The last design for the set face value 5 Kyats was a Peacock. Among these birds, the peacock is Burma's pride and is a national emblem. Burmese believe that the peacock dwells in the sun. Burmese revolutionary forces (workers, peasants and students) use peacock flags to raise their fighting spirits. These stamps were printed at the Bureau of the Ministry of Finance, Ichigaya Hommura - Cho, Shinfuku-ku, Japan. 

On July 1, 1968, these stamps (Bird Series) were reprinted again in changed sizes. These stamps were printed by Leipzig Works in East Germany. 

Century of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Year Stamps

To mark the Century of International Telecommunication Union Year, two face value stamps, 20 Pyas in pink and 50 Pyas in dull green were issued on May 17, 1965. The common design is the ITU emblem, old and new communication equipments.

International Cooperation Year Stamps

To mark the International Cooperation Year, three face value stamps (5 Pyas, ultramarine; 10 Pyas, orange brown and 15 Pyas, yellow olive) were issued on July 1, 1965. The common design was drawing of two hands shaking bordered by two branch of olive leaves. These stamps were printed in the Litho Government Printing Works, Tokyo, Japan.

Peasants' Day (Farmers' Day) Stamp

A single stamp was issued to honor farmers. This 15 Pyas face value stamp shows a farmer harvesting the ripe crops. The background is a blue sky and yellow rice field. The farmer is wearing his traditional long skirt (lon-gyi) and white t-shirt. This stamp was printed by Litho German Banknote Printing, Leipzig and sold to public on March 2, 1966.

Workers' Day (May Day) Stamp

To honor Workers' Day, a 15 Pyas face value stamp was issued on May 1, 1967.

The main design is cogwheel and hammer which symbolize workers. The colors of this stamp are yellow, black and greenish blue. This stamp was printed by Litho German banknote Printing, Leipzig and sold to public on May 1, 1967.

20th Anniversary of Independence Stamp 

At the 20th anniversary of Burma's independence, a newly designed stamp was issued. The stamp depicts a portrait of Aung San in the upper left corner and a tractor and farmers in a field were working in foreground. Factories were on the right side under the blue sky. The face value of the stamp was 15 Pyas and it was sold to the public on January 4, 1968. This stamp was printed in Litho German Bank Note Printing Co, Leipzig, Germany.

Burma Pearls Stamp

Burma issued a single stamp, face value 15 Pyas, to promote Burmese Gems, Jades and Pearls. The main colors of the stamps are blue, ultra, gray and pale yellow. This stamp features two Burmese natural white pearls. It was printed by Litho German Banknote Printing and sold to the public on March 4, 1968.

Peasant's Day (Farmers' Day) Stamp

A 15-pyas stamp was issued to honor farmers. The Farmer Day stamp shows a spike of yellow paddy on a green background. It was printed by Litho, Pakistan Security Printing Corp. Ltd. and sold to the public on March 2, 1969.

International Labor Organization commemorative Stamp 

On October 29, 1969, Burma issued two face value 15 Pyas (blue green & gold), 50 Pyas (carmine & gold) stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of the International Labor Organization. The common design was drawing of two hands holding wrenches in yin-yang. These stamps were printed by the Security Printing Corp, Ltd., Pakistan.

5th SEAP Games Stamps

The fifth South East Asian Peninsular (SEAP) games were held in Rangoon on December 1969. A set of stamps was issued to commemorate the fifth South East Asian Peninsular games. The design of 15 Pyas was drawing of two men soccer playing. The colors for this design were bright olive and multi colors. The 25 Pyas stamp design was a runner. The colors for this design were brown and multi colors. The design of 50 Pyas was a drawing of a man weight lifter with the background of the logo of Olympic (5 circles). The main color of this design was green. The 1 Kyat design was a drawing of women playing volleyball and the main color of this design was blue. These stamps were sold on December 1, 1969.

25th Anniversary Burmese Armed Forces Day Stamp 

In Burma, March 27 is the Revolutionary Day to remember the resistance Japanese occupation. That day later became the Armed Force day in 1955 after the speech of late Ne Win. To commemorate 25th  anniversary the Burmese Armed Forces day, Burma issued a new stamp. Marching soldiers with three historical flags of the Burmese army (three color peacock flag, one white star flag and Union of Burma flag) are depicted on that stamp. The stamp, face value 15 Pyas, was put on sale March 27, 1970 and printed by the Litho Pakistan Security Printing Press.

25th Anniversary of UN Stamp

Burma issued a stamp on June 26, 1970 for the 25th anniversary of the United Nations. This 15 Pyas face value stamp shows the peace and progress of all nations. The UN logo and planets are floating around the sun. The main color is pale blue. This stamp is designed by Ba Moe and printed by Government Printing Works, Tokyo, Japan.

National Day commemorative (50th Anniversary Students' 1920 uprising) Stamp

Three designs for three face values were issued for the National Day commemorative stamps. 


The first design, 15 Pyas, shows demonstrators marching out from their educational institutions in protest against the University Act of 1920. 


The second design, 25 Pyas, depicts marchers  with a peacock emblem banner at Shwe Dagon camp. The designer for these two stamps was Ba Lon Gale. 


The third design for 50 Pyas is a drawing of the students' boycott demonstrations with peacock flags and this was designed by Myint Thein. Students always use the peacock flags during their demonstrations to raise their fighting spirits because they believe that the peacock is Burma's pride and is a national emblem. Burmese believe that the peacock dwells in the sun. These stamps were printed by the Deutsche Wertpapler-Druckerei, German Bank Note Printing Co., Leipzig, and went on sale to the public on November 23, 1970. 

The State Philatelic Advisory Board (SPAB), which formed on February 5, 1970, identification was shown at the bottom of these stamps.

The first Burmese Socialist Program Party Congress Stamps

Burma issued a new set of stamps to commemorate the first congress of the Burmese Socialist Program Party (BSPP). The 5 Pyas face value stamp depicts workers, farmers, students and technicians hand in hand participating in the building up of the people's party. The factories were in the background. This stamp was designed by Ba Moe. The 15 Pyas face value stamp, designed by San Toe, depicts the various national faces of Burma holding the Union of Burma flags and unanimously marching towards the Socialist goal. The 25 Pyas face value stamp, designed by San Toe, depicts the transformation of the Cadre Party into the People's Party. The main color of this design was green. The 50 Pyas face value stamp design shows the party flag (two white stars on bright red background). U Ba Moe designed the stamp. Printers were Messrs Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., United Kingdom. These stamps were put on sale in June 28, 1971. The State Philatelic Advisory Board (SPAB) identification was shown at the bottom of these stamps.

25th Anniversary of UNICEF day Stamps

On December 11, 1971, two stamps were issued to mark the 25th anniversary of UNICEF.  The 15 Pyas stamp depicts a child drinking milk. The background color is pale purple. The 50 Pyas face value stamp depicts three marionettes: male and female dancers and a horse.  The main background color is emerald. Both stamps are square shape and designed by Thin Thin Aye. These stamps were printed by Litho Harrison, United Kingdom.

25th Anniversary Union Day Stamp 


Three stamp designs were issued on 25th anniversary of Union Day. The 15 Pyas stamp is a drawing of Aung San and Panglong monument. The 50 Pyas stamp design is Aung San, wearing Kachin dress, and different ethnic groups, wearing their national costumes, standing in front of the monument of the Panglong Agreement. The 1 Kyat value stamp (green, aqua and red) depicts a map with the Union of Burma flag pointing to Panglong. These stamps were sold to the public on February 12, 1972.

10th Anniversary Revolution Council Stamp

The military regime led by Ne Win took power over the country and formed the revolutionary council in 1962. The stamp celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Council was issued on March 2, 1972. Workers and farmers march together and one person was pointing toward the two white stars which represent the revolution. Ten white stars at the bottom of stamp represent the ten years of revolution council. This stamp, face value 15 Pyas, was designed by Sai Yee Leik and printed by Litho Bradbury, Wilkinson, United Kingdom.

World Health Day Stamp

On April 7, 1972, Burma issued a stamp to honor the World Health Day. The 15 Pyas face value stamp shows the human figure inside the heart. "Your heart is your health" written in Burmese. This stamp was printed in red for the heart on bright yellow background. This stamp is designed by U Ba Thit. 

National Census Day Stamp

In 1973, Burma undertook the full census since 1941. (The first census of the whole of Burma was in 1891). To commemorate the national census movements, a single stamp design was issued on February 12. The design represents a partial figures of Burman, Shan, Karen, Lisu, Kayah, Chin, Kachin, Myaung and Naga (nine ethnic nationalities of Burma) indicate the people whom the census is being taken. The background graph and years indicate the population expansion in the country. Across the top of the stamps are fourteen green stars which correspond to the fourteen states of Burma. This stamp, 15 Pyas face value, to commemorate the occasion was designed by U Min Naing and printed in five color lithography by Harrison and Sons, London. 

National Referendum honoring Stamps 

This was the first vote after the military coup, since 1962. Four designs were issued to honor the National Referendum. 5 Pyas stamp (deep orange) depicted a hand putting a ballot into a ballot box, 10 Pyas stamp (blue and multi colors) was a drawing of a worker and farmer holding up a map of Burma and voting together. The seal of the Burmese Socialist Program Party was also depicted at the right. The 15 Pyas stamp (blue and multi colors) was a worker and a farmer holding up ballots. The white 14 stars from this stamp design represent the fourteen states and devisions. The country name “Union of Burma” was used as last time for the country’s issuing stamp. This set was issued on December 15, 1973.

The First People's Assembly honoring Stamps

A set of three stamps was issued to mark the adoption of the constitution for the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma by the nation-wide referendum which led to the first people's assembly on March 2, 1974. This comprises a set of three stamps in denominations of 15 Pyas, 50 Pyas, and 1 Kyat. The 15 Pyas face value stamp depicts the eight different national flags at various periods during the country's struggle for independence. The Burmese national peacock flag, the peasant revolutionary flag, the “Our Burman Association” flag, the Burma Defense Army (BDA) period peacock flag, the Japanese revolutionary flag, the Union of Burma flag and the Socialist Rupublic of the Union of Burma flag were depicted. The most remarkable of the stamps, at 84 mm, was then the longest stamp that Burma had issued. 

The 50 Pyas stamp illustrates the open air meeting of workers and peasants of a village adopting the new constitution. A man is explaining the new emblem of the flag of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma. The 1 Kyat value stamp represents a balance under the new constitution which safeguards the fundamental principles of human rights, that every citizen has an equal right before the law. The Burmese inscription at the bottom is the essence of the State Constitution and can be translated as "Every Citizen shall have the right to equal opportunity." Start from this issue, the name of the country had been changed from “UNION OF BURMA” to “Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma.”

100th anniversary of UPU commemorate Stamps

On May 22, 1974, a set of five stamps was issued commemorating the 100th anniversary of Universal Postal Union. 


The 15-pyas stamp (green) shows a letter carrying parrot with a letter of the 100th anniversary in its beak. The emblem of the UPU, surrounded by five messengers, representing global postal communications, is shown in a white circle at the center. The 20 Pyas stamp (pink) shows a mother with a baby on her lap reading a letter. The 50 Pyas (green, red and multi colors) shows the emblem of the UPU. The 1 Kyat stamp (blue and multi colors) shows a Burmese doll welcoming the centennial celebration of UPU. The 2 Kyats stamp (blue and multi colors) shows a Burmese family of four receiving a letter from the postman. The emblem of the UPU is shown in a white square in between the postman and the family.

National Costumes definitive Stamps 

On October 1, 1974, a new definitive issue called the "National Races  or Costumes of Burma" was put on sale. The first issue consisted of four designs on a small stamp. The 1 Pya stamp shows a Kachin man and woman dancing together. This design is found in two face values: 1 Pya is light pink, and light blue for 10 Pyas stamp. 

The 3 Pyas stamp shows a young lady from Kayah (Karenni) State. This Kayah (Karenni lady) design was in pink and dark brown. The 5-pyas stamp shows a Karen couple in their national dress, standing beside their traditional bronze drum. The color for this design was in pink and violet. The 15 Pyas stamp shows a Chin couple in their national costumes. The colors of this design were in green and olive.

On November 1, 1974, the second part of this definitive issue, of larger size in four face values, was put on sale. The 20 Pyas stamp shows a Burmese couple in their national dress. The main colors for this design were blue and multi colors. The 50Pyas stamp shows a Mon woman in a sitting position holding a folding fan. A piece of typical Mon teak carving is also displayed as a part of the yellow background. The main colors were ocher and multi colors. The 1 Kyat stamp shows an Arakanese lady sitting with her hands on her lap. The main colors were pink and purple. 


The 5 Kyats stamp shows a Shan man drumming their Shan traditional long-neck drum. This stamp was in olive green and multi colors.

Different country names, but same designs 

An interesting aspect pertaining to this definitive series is that these national costume stamp designs were reissued several times with the country's name changed. Three stamps of this issue, 15 Pyas, 50 Pyas and 1 Kyat, underwent the change of country name twice. 

They originally appeared as the "Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma" stamps issued in October and November of 1974. Then "Union of Burma" in June 1989, and later "Union of Myanmar" in March,1990. 

The 1974 original issue, inscribed "Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma" 9 denominations: 1p,3p,5p,10p,15p, 20p, 50p, 1k and 5k. 

The 1989 issue, inscribed "Union of Burma" 3 denominations: 15p, 50p, 1K. 

The 1990 issue, inscribed "Union of Myanmar" 3 denominations: 15p, 50p, 1K.

International Women's Year honor Stamps

To honor the year as the International Women's Year, a set of two stamps were issued on December 15, 1975,. The 50 Pyas stamp shows a silhouette of a sitting woman with the world in the background. At the top left corner is the symbol of a female. The predominant color of this stamp is light green. The 2 Kyats stamp shows a world within a flower. The symbol of a female is shown in the top left corner. The predominant color of this stamp is blue.

Constitution Day Stamps

To commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma, a set of three stamps was issued on January 3, 1976. The 20 Pyas stamp (blue & black) shows a gathering of workers and peasants hailing the constitution and the new state emblem on left. The new state emblem consists of an ear of paddy and a cogwheel surrounded by 14 stars symbolizing the 14 states and divisions. The 50 Pyas stamp (blue, black and brown) shows a mass of people of all races of Burma marching with banners, welcoming the new constitution. The state emblem is shown on the left side. The 1 Kyat stamp (blue, black and orange) shows the mass and class of the people greeting the new constitution. The outline map of Burma and the state emblem are shown on the left side.

International Literacy Day Stamps

To honor the international literacy year and anti-illiteracy movements of Burma, a set of four stamps was issued on September 8, 1976. The 10 Pyas stamp shows a scene, looking from above, of a volunteer teaching a group of people around a dinning table. The logo of this anti-illiteracy movement is displayed in the center of the group. The predominant color of this stamp is pink.

 The 15 Pyas stamp shows a number of opened books and an abacus to denote teaching of arithmetic. The predominant color of this stamp is bluish green. The 50 Pyas stamp shows the anti-illiteracy logo with several rows of books representing the increasing number of literate people. The color of this stamp is mainly blue. The 1 Kyat stamp shows a globe resting on an opened book with the emblem of the of anti-illiteracy drive. The "eradication of every illiterate citizen" in Burmese is written at the bottom of the design.

The Century of Burma Railroad Stamps

Burma celebrated one hundred years of Burma Railways in 1977, and issued a set of five stamps to mark the occasion. The small 15 Pyas stamp shows the first engine to be used in Burma, the A-01, which inaugurated the Rangoon-Prome rail line on May 1, 1877. 

The 20 Pyas stamp shows the first engine pulling a short-run local train. Passenger coaches were light, with their superstructures made of teak. The coal burning engines puffed and belched out black smoke and soot as the trains were pulled over tracks rised high above the flat paddy fields. In the foreground of the stamp, a bullock cart is seen racing against the train.

      The 25 Pyas stamp shows a modern French-built Alsthom diesel engine with the latest type of signaling equipment on the left, and a coal-burning steam engine with signals on the right. The station at which this imaginary encounter is taking place is also imaginary and symbolic, for it is labeled on the signboard "centenary."


The 50 Pyas stamp shows a train crossing the Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy river. The 1 Kyat stamp shows a diesel engine train coming out of a hillside tunnel. This set stamps are printed in multi colors.

Karaweik Hotel commemorative Stamps

To commemorate the opening of the Royal Barge, a sets of two stamps were issued on August 11, 1977. The 50 Pyas stamp shows the Royal Barge as seen from the front. The bow of the barge with the twin boats has the Burmese mythical amphibious birds Karaweiks as figure heads. The color of this stamp is light brown. The 1 Kyat stamp in light blue, shows the same barge seen from the side. The size is one of the largest stamp sizes issued by that time.

Precious Jewelry commemorative Stamps

Four values were released on January 1, 1979 in conjunction with the 16th annual Burma gems fair, the annual sale of gemstones and pearls by the state gem monopoly. The 15 Pyas stamp depicts a jade dragon and polished oval piece. The color of this stamp is green and yellowish green. The 20 Pyas stamp shows a head of Shwe Hintha, a legendary and mythical golden duck encrusted with gems and holding a pearl in its beak. The color of this stamp is bright red with the gem stones shown in their natural colors. The 50 Pyas stamp shows a young lady's hand holding a pearl necklace with an amethyst pendent. The main color of this stamp is green. The 1 Kyat stamp shows a ruby and emerald embellished gold imaginary animal (Pinsa Rupa: lion, elephant, buffalo, carp and mythical golden duck) richly ornamented with gems.

Satellite Communications commemorative Stamp

A single face value stamp 25 Pyas was issued on February 12, 1979, to mark Burma's installation of satellite reception and transmission equipment designed to link the Burma telephone system via Intelsat IV with the international satellite-relayed telephone system. The design shows the Intelset IV over a satellite view of Southeast Asia, with Burma highlighted, and a receiving dish at Rangoon. The predominant color of this stamp is blue.

International Year of the Child commemorative Stamps

To commemorate 1979 as the United Nations-designated International Year of the Child, two stamps of 25 Pyas and 50 Pyas denomination were issued on December 1, 1979. The two are identical in design and show the year of the child symbol superimposed upon an outline map of Burma. The 25 Pyas stamp is in blue with the emblem of the IYC in orange. The 50 Pyas stamp is in violet with the emblem in red.

World Meteorological Day commemorative Stamps

Two stamps with appropriate themes were issued on March 23, 1980, to mark this occasion. The 20 Pyas stamp, in blue, yellow and black, shows a meteorological balloon ascending through the clouds. The 50 Pyas stamp, in green, red and black, displays a meteorological satellite a cloud spiral as seen from space. Both carry the United Nations Organization symbol in black in the upper right corner.

22^nd Summer Olympic Games commemorative Stamps

The Moscow Olympics were commemorated with three stamps, issued on July 19, 1980. The 20 Pyas stamp in turquoise, orange and black shows a man weight-lifting. The 50 Pyas stamp in red, orange and black shows two men boxing. The 1 Kyat stamp in orange, blue and black displays two young men playing soccer. To the right of the design on each the Olympic rings occur.

13th ITU and WHO commemorative Stamps

A single stamp was issued on May 17, 1981, to the standard UN design, commemorating in combination the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This 25 Pyas face value stamp shows Mercury's caduceus made up of streamers from the ITU emblem and the WHO emblem. The main color of this stamp is orange.

World Food Day Stamps

Three stamps were issued to mark World Food Day, on October 16, 1981. The three values bear related themes, presented in rather jumbled fashion. The 25 Pyas denomination (blue and black on white) portrays a cow, pig, chicken, fish, and ear and grain of maize, against and industrial skyline. The 50 Pyas stamp is multicolored with an inset of domestic animals and vegetables; and a peasant carrying a sheaf of grain. The 1 Kyat value stamp design shows a stylized ear of grain with the FAO symbol flying on the white background. 

International Year of Disabled Persons Stamp

A single value, 25 Pyas, was issued to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons, on December 12, 1981. Colors are blue, reddish-brown, and black. The stamp displays a wheelchair athlete at the center flanked on the left by a volleyball players and runners, and on the right by the IYDP symbol.

World Communications Year Stamp

On October 15, 1983, to salute the World Communications Year, a set of four stamps of the same design but different colors were issued. The common design is of a micro-wave transmission tower, a telephone handset and in the right hand corner, the emblem of World Communications Year. Denominations and colors are: 15 Pyas, pale and medium blue; 25 Pyas, pale and medium rose-brown; 50 Pyas, pale and dark green with dark brown rose; and 1 Kyat, pale and medium brown with medium green. These stamps were unwatermarked and printed by the State Security Printing Works at Wazi. 

World Food Day Stamps

On October 16, 1983, a set of four stamps to commemorate the World Food Day was issued. The common design consists of a globe with Southeast Asia and Australia.  A fish in a curved shape forms the Western part of the globe and a fishing traver spreads between Australia and the tail of the fish. The logo of FAO is on the top right hand corner. The 15 Pyas stamp is pale brown-ywllow, the 25 Pyas is pale orange framed in medium yellowish green, the 50 Pyas is pale green framed in orange, and the 1 Kyat stamp is medium blue framed in yellow. These stamps were unwatermarked and printed by the State Security Printing Works at Wazi.

The next year, on October 16, 1984, Burma issued a second commemorative set of four stamps. The common designs of these stamps show a vignette in three parts, stylized representations of trees at left, a globe showing Southeast Asia all atop a log, at center; and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization symbol at right. The stamps are of the same design with different colors denoting different face values. This commemorative set's denominations and colors are: 15 Pyas, dark blue, light blue, orange, and black; 25 Pyas, dark violet, light violet, buff, and black; 50 Pyas, turquoise, rose pink, and black; 1 Kyat, lilac, yellow, and black. These stamps were unwatermarked and printed by the State Security Printing Works at Wazi.

International Youth Year Stamp

The last stamp issued by the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma, to commemorate the International Youth Year, was issued on October 15, 1985. The 15 Pyas stamp shows two hands lifting a flower pot with three flower plants in three different stages of growth. The stamp is multi-colored in printed by the State Security Printing Works, Wazi.