Some of the Isle of Man’s most remarkable discoveries have been brought together in a new stamp collection celebrating the island’s rich history.
The Isle of Man Post Office released the collection on September 10, in partnership with the Manx National Heritage.
It explores thousands of years of Manx heritage, featuring Viking silver and gold dating back around 1,000 years alongside Bronze Age jewellery believed to be around 4,000 years old.
The collection coincides with the National Treasures exhibition and tells the stories behind some of the island’s most significant archaeological finds, including how they were discovered and what they reveal about the people who once lived here.
Several of the objects featured were returned to the Isle of Man especially for the exhibition.
The artefacts, which were discovered before the Manx Museum was established, had been held by the British Museum in London and were loaned for the exhibition.
It is the first time many of the original objects have been displayed on the island, with replicas of most currently forming part of the Manx Museum collection.
Among the six treasures featured in the stamp issue is a bronze oval brooch dating to around AD 900. One of a pair belonging to a Viking Age woman, it would have been worn near the shoulders of an apron-like dress known as a ‘hangerok’.
The brooch features detailed designs of paired birds and decorative silver wire.
It was discovered in 2018 by John Crowe and Craig Evans and is the first of its type to have been found in the Isle of Man.
Maxine Cannon, general manager at Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, said the island had ‘an extraordinary heritage with stories that span thousands of years’.
‘We are thrilled to have worked alongside Manx National Heritage to bring the National Treasures exhibition to life through this special stamp issue.’
Another stamp features a jet necklace dating to around 2000 BC. The necklace and bracelet were found in a burial at Berk Farm near Kirk Michael and contain 122 beads, including larger examples decorated with geometric patterns. The items were discovered in 2018 by the Round Mounds of the Isle of Man project.
A Bronze Age ‘fortune-telling’ spoon, dating from around 400 to 100 BC, is also featured. Originally a warm golden colour, it has turned green after thousands of years underground. It is the first example found in the Isle of Man and only the 28th discovered anywhere.
Other highlights include a large Viking Age silver brooch dating to around AD 950, found alongside a gold arm-ring and decorated silver armband; the medieval Mylecharaine silver crucifix; and a tiny gold mourning ring dating to around the 1650s, bearing the initials JD.
Allison Fox, curator of archaeology at Manx National Heritage, said the stamps were ‘small treasures in themselves’.
‘The island’s National Treasures are remarkable for both their quality and variety, and it’s lovely to see them celebrated in this special issue.’
The National Treasures collection is available online through Isle of Man Stamps & Coins and includes a set, first-day cover and presentation pack.