Panama Unissued Papal Visit Souvenir Sheet

Panama · 1983 · 1 B/.

This unissued souvenir sheet from Panama was prepared to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1983. The central stamp depicts Raphael's 'Sistine Madonna', while the selvage features portraits of twelve previous popes, including St. Peter, Leo I, Gregory I, and others, creating a rich tapestry of papal history through art.

Prepared for Pope John Paul II's historic visit to Central America in March 1983, this issue was ultimately not officially released by Panamanian postal authorities. Such unissued stamps, often referred to as 'Cinderellas', are popular with collectors for their unique backstory.