Queen Elizabeth II 25th Anniversary Coronation First Day Cover, Guinea Bissau postmarked on June 15, 1978.

Guinea Bissau

Guinea Bissau is a small country of 13,948 square miles sandwiched between Senegal and Guinea. It is hot and humid and traversed by many rivers and estuaries. The climate discouraged widespread settlement following Portuguese Nuno Tristao's early contacts in the 15th century, but for three centuries the Guinea coast became a major base in the notorious slave trade. During the 1960s and early 70s there was increasing armed conflict between the Portuguese authorities and guerrilla movements. Independence was gained in 1974 with a change of government in Portugal.

Guinea Bissau's Coronation Anniversary Stamps were issued on 15th June, 1978, having been designed by Sormani and printed by Impressor S.A. of Geneva.

3.50p Reading of the Proclamation. On the death of a monarch, the successor is proclaimed from St. James's Palace and elsewhere. When coronation details have been decided, the Garter King of Arms reads another proclamation announcing the date and arrangements.

5p The Ride in the Coronation Coach. Her Majesty and Prince Philip are seen returning in the elaborate coronation coach after the coronation ceremony. The coach was built for George III but was completed too late for his coronation The palm trees supporting the roof, and the laurels with which it is adorned are gilded with 18 ct. gold.

l0p Balcony Scene. The new queen is depicted with her husband, still wearing her coronation robes, but having exchanged the heavy 'St. Edward's Crown' for the lighter 'Imperial State Crown', worn on all subsequent state occasions.

20p Household Cavalry Drummer. The Household Cavalry, charged with the safety of the Monarch's life, are composed of two regiments: the Life Guards and the Royal Horse Guards. The former originated from the cavaliers who had gone into exile with Charles II and rode with him on his return to London in 1660. The Royal Horse Guards were formed in 1661.