Belgium – Scott #s B660-62

Description

This Belgium semi-postal stamp set, Scott #B660–B662, was issued in 1961 in support of World Refugee Year, an international humanitarian campaign coordinated by the United Nations to raise awareness and funds for refugees displaced by war and political upheaval.

Each stamp in the set depicts a refugee figure in a sober, human-centered style, emphasizing hardship, displacement, and resilience. The designs portray individuals seated or resting with minimal surroundings, focusing attention on posture, expression, and emotion rather than narrative detail. This restrained approach reflects the gravity of the subject and aligns with mid-20th-century humanitarian visual language.

The inscriptions reference both World Refugee Year and the United Nations Refugee Program, situating the issue within a global relief effort. The muted color palettes reinforce the seriousness of the theme while maintaining clarity of denomination and surtax.

As semi-postals, these stamps include a surtax added to the postal value, with proceeds directed toward refugee assistance programs. This complete set is offered mint never hinged (MNH), with full original gum and no hinge marks or disturbance. MNH sets are especially desirable for collectors of humanitarian issues, United Nations-related material, and Belgian semi-postals.

• Scott Catalog Numbers: B660–B662

• Denominations: 40c + 10c, 3fr + 1.50fr, 6fr + 5fr

• Design: World Refugee Year – Refugee Figures

• Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH)

• Country: Belgium