Independent

since 1973

International

reputation for innovation

Friendly

worldwide service

No quibble

returns policy

chevron_left chevron_right
Manx National Treasures featured in new Stamp Collection

Manx National Treasures featured in new Stamp Collection

Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to share this collection of stamps curated in partnership with Manx National Heritage sharing six of our Island’s most significant national treasures.

 

The Manx National Treasures collection explores the incredibly rich world of Manx treasure, showcasing the Island’s extraordinary collection of treasures, Viking silver and gold from a thousand years ago is displayed along with four-thousand-year-old Bronze Age jewellery. This issue is an opportunity to celebrate these remarkable finds, hear more about the fascinating stories of their discovery and what they might tell us about the people who left them behind.

 

Some extraordinary treasures were returned to the Isle of Man especially for the National Treasures exhibition. These remarkable objects were all discovered prior to the founding of the Manx Museum and were exhibited on loan from the British Museum in London. This marks the first time many of these original artefacts were exhibited on the Isle of Man and offered the public a rare opportunity to see them in person. Replicas of most items are currently exhibited in the Manx Museum, but the loan of the originals represents a significant cultural moment for the Island.

 

Stamp 1, Bronze Brooch .AD 900: One of a pair of bronze oval brooches belonging to a Viking Age woman. The brooches were pinned near the shoulders of an apron-like dress, known as a hangerok which was worn over a long tunic. Intricate designs show pairs of birds, and decorative twists of silver wire help keep the outer and inner shells together. These brooches are the first of their kind to be found on the Isle of Man. Found in 2018 by John Crowe and Craig Evans.

 

Stamp 2, Jet Necklace c.2000 BC: Four thousand years ago, this stunning jet necklace and bracelet were worn by a woman as she was buried in a grave high on a hill with a view over the sea at Berk Farm, near Kirk Michael.  There are 122 beads in total, and the largest ones are decorated with geometric designs made by drilling tiny holes in the delicate surface. These holes were filled with a white chalk-like substance, making the design stand out. Found in 2018 by the Round Mounds of the Isle of Man project.

 

Stamp 3, Bronze Spoon c.400 – 100 BC: This “fortune-telling” spoon was originally a warm golden colour. After a couple of thousand years in the ground the colour has changed to a mid-green, and surface corrosion has led to losses of metal around the edge, and some loss of detail of the pattern. But after careful cleaning, four lines and a central circle and dot are visible in the centre of the spoon, as is a spiral design on each side of the handle. This spoon is the first from the Isle of Man and only the 28th found anywhere. Found in 2015 by Robert Middleton.

 

Stamp 4, Silver Brooch c.AD 950: This silver brooch is one of the largest of its kind, with a ring 16cm in diameter and a pin 45cm long. It was found with an arm-ring of around 90% pure gold and a highly decorated silver armband. They were the possessions of a very wealthy person, who was comfortable showing that wealth. The designs are typical of the Viking Age and are found on other jewellery and metalwork across the Viking world. Found in 2020 by Kath Giles.

 

Stamp 5, Silver Crucifix c.AD 1400: The Mylecharaine silver cross reputedly belonged to an abbot of a medieval monastery in Lezayre. A traditional Manx ballad tells of its discovery in the 1600s in the northern wetlands. Found by Thomas Mylecharaine.

 

Stamp 6, Gold Ring c. AD 1650s: A tiny crystal stone protects the initials J D, made from gold thread. Black enamel on the sides shows it was a mourning ring for the deceased. That person might have been the 7th Earl of Derby and Lord of Mann, James Stanley. Beheaded in Bolton in 1651, the Earl often signed his name as James Derby – JD. Found in 2020 by Lee Morgan.

 

Allison Fox, Curator: Archaeology, Manx National Heritage, comments: “These stamps are small treasures in themselves, capturing the beauty of some of the Isle of Man’s most significant archaeological artefacts.  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 collection delves into the world of archaeology, offering collectors and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to discover the Isle of Man’s fascinating past. Through the featured objects, the issue highlights the discoveries, craftsmanship and everyday experiences that have helped archaeologists’ piece together the story of the Island across thousands of years. shaped the Isle of Man and the heritage that continues to connect generations today.

 

Maxine Cannon, General Manager at Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, said: “The Isle of Man has an extraordinary heritage with stories that span thousands of years and treasures that continue to inspire curiosity and pride. We are thrilled to have worked alongside Manx National Heritage to bring the National Treasures exhibition to life through this special stamp issue.”

 

Released on 10th September 2026, the National Treasures issue is available online at iomstamps.com/collections/NationalTreasures. The collection includes a Set, First Day Cover and Presentation Pack.

 

-Ends- 

 

 

Technical Details

Imagery & Text: Manx National Heritage

Design: Manx National Heritage & Ashgrove Marketing

Printer: bpost

Process: Offset Lithography

Colours: 4

Paper: Tullis Russell Tru White Litho FSC

Perforations: 11.5 per 2cm

Stamp Size: 35mm x 35mm

Format: Sheets of 15

Date of Issue: 10th September 2026

Limited Editions: Presentation Packs 1,000; First Day Covers 1,500

 

Notes to editor

·         Manx National Heritage is responsible for protecting, preserving and promoting the Isle of Man’s natural and cultural heritage. Through its museums, historic sites, archives and collections, the organisation shares the stories of the Island’s people and places with audiences locally and internationally. Visit their website at https://manxnationalheritage.im/

·         Visit the News section on our website where you can freely download copy, latest news, copyright free and high-resolution images https://iomstamps.com/blogs/iomnews/NationalTreasures

Product Descriptions

Mint Set

One of each stamp supplied in pristine condition.

First Day Cover

A specially designed envelope on which a full set of stamps are affixed and cancelled on the first day of issue featuring a special postmark. 

Presentation Pack

A folder containing a set of stamps inserted within a clear acetate mounted black card.

 

The full range of products from this collection can be viewed at iompost.com/collections/NationalTreasures

 

 

Sales & Marketing

Maxine Cannon (Available 24/7)

Phone:  +44 (0)1624 698 437

Mobile: +44 (0)7624 497 248

Email: Maxine.Cannon@iompost.com     

 

Customer Services

Office hours:  Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm GMT

Phone: +44 (0)1624  698 430

Email: stamps@iompost.com

 


September 09, 2026