Audrey Hepburn (semi-postal) facts for kids
The Audrey Hepburn semi-postal was a special postage stamp created in Germany in 2001. It featured a picture of the famous actress Audrey Hepburn. However, this stamp was never officially released because Audrey Hepburn's family did not approve of it.
What is a Semi-Postal Stamp?
A semi-postal stamp is a unique type of postage stamp that helps raise money for a good cause. When you buy a semi-postal stamp, part of the money pays for the postage, and the other part is a donation to a specific charity or project. For example, a stamp might cost 55 cents, but 5 cents of that goes to support a children's hospital or environmental protection. These stamps are also known as "charity stamps" or "fundraising stamps."
The Audrey Hepburn Stamp Story
In 2001, the Deutsche Post (which means German Post, Germany's postal service) planned to release a series of stamps honoring famous actors. One of these stamps was designed with a beautiful picture of Audrey Hepburn, known for her roles in movies like Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady.
However, there was a problem. The family of Audrey Hepburn did not give permission for her image to be used on the stamp. Because of this, the German postal authorities had to stop the production of the stamp. Most of these stamps were destroyed, making the few that survived very rare and valuable to stamp collectors.
Other Famous Actors in the Series
Even though the Audrey Hepburn stamp was never officially released, the Deutsche Post did issue other stamps in the same series. These stamps featured other legendary actors from film history. Some of the famous faces included:
- Charlie Chaplin, a master of silent comedy
- Marilyn Monroe, a Hollywood icon
- Greta Garbo, a mysterious and talented actress
- Jean Gabin, a respected French actor
These stamps celebrated the lasting impact these stars had on cinema around the world.