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 This caused a diplomatic incident and the stamp was quickly withdrawn.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').
Printing Method
Photogravure
Catalog Numbers
Estimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.
