Ireland – Scott #s 159-60, used

Description

Issued in 1961, Ireland Scott #159–160 commemorates Peig Sayers (1873–1958), one of the most important figures in Irish-language literature and oral tradition. A native Irish speaker from the Blasket Islands, Sayers became widely known through her autobiographical work Peig, which preserved the storytelling traditions, folklore, and daily life of rural Irish-speaking communities.

The design features an engraved portrait of Sayers shown in profile, wearing traditional clothing and headwear associated with the Blasket Islands. The background includes subtle landscape elements that evoke the rugged coastal environment of her home, reinforcing the cultural context of her work. The stamps share a unified layout, distinguished by denomination and color, with fine line engraving that gives the portraits warmth and texture.

With denominations of 2p and 5p, these stamps were intended for standard domestic postal rates and heavier letters. As literary and cultural commemoratives, they saw regular use in everyday mail, making used examples a common but meaningful part of Irish postal history.

This pair is offered used, showing visible cancellations with good remaining detail and intact perforations. A culturally rich and appealing set for collectors of Irish literature, language, and folklore on stamps.

Country: Ireland
Year of Issue: 1961
Scott Numbers: 159–160
Denominations: 2p, 5p
Condition: Used