Gronchi Rosa

Italy · 1961 · 205 Lira

This stamp, known as the 'Gronchi Rosa' (Pink Gronchi), was issued for Italian President Giovanni Gronchi's state visit to South America. The design features a map of the Atlantic Ocean with the flight path, but controversially depicted Peru's eastern border incorrectly, using a pre-1942 line that ceded territory to Ecuador. This caused a diplomatic incident and the stamp was quickly withdrawn.

Issued during the Cold War era, the stamp's border error with Peru created a significant diplomatic embarrassment for Italy, leading to its immediate withdrawal and replacement with a corrected version (the 'Gronchi Grigio').