ICELAND

ICELAND / ÍSLAND.

Birth of Surtsey Island.
First stamp in a set of 3, issued on 23.06.1965.
Face value: 1.50 Icelandic króna.
Printing: Photogravure.
Print: 1,000,000 copies.

Catalogs
- Michel No. 392.
- Scott No. 372.
- StampWorld No. 393.
- Stanley Gibbons No. 423.
- Yvert et Tellier No. 347.

Surtsey is a volcanic island located approximately 32 km (20 mi) off the southern coast of Iceland, integrated into the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. It is the southernmost point of the country and was formed from a volcanic eruption that began at 130 m (427 ft) below sea level and emerged to the surface on November 14, 1963. The eruption lasted until June 5, 1967, at which time the island reached its maximum size of 2.7 km² (1.04 sq mi). Since then the erosive action of wind, water and ice have constantly reduced its size. The new island is named after Surtr, a fiery jötunn or giant from Norse mythology. Surtsey was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.