SPAIN

SPAIN / ESPAÑA.

Explorers of Oceania.
Ruy López de Villalobos and Map.
Stamp issued on 22.06.2021.
Face value: 2.50 euro.
Printing: Offset lithography on wood paper.
Printed by F.N.M.T. (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre), Madrid.
Print: 160,000 copies.
Size: 57.75 x 41 mm.

- Edifil No. 5498.
- Michel No. 5548.
- Scott No. 4538.
- StampWorld No. 5552.
- Unificato No. 5281.
- Yvert et Tellier No. 5253.

Beginning with the expedition of Magellan and Elcano (1519-1522), Spain made numerous expeditions to the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the exploration and discovery of numerous territories, many of which were later incorporated into the Spanish Empire. On November 1, 1542, Ruy López de Villalobos sailed with six ships and about 400 men from Barra de Navidad (Jalisco, Mexico) heading southwest towards the South Pacific and reached the island of Mindanao, after discovering some land. From there the expedition headed for the Spice Islands (Moluccas). Among Villalobos' discoveries are the Clarión Island; Wotje Atoll in the eastern Marshalls; the insular group of Kwajalein atolls (what they called “The Garden Islands”), in the central Marshalls; Fais Island in the western Marshalls and Yap Island in the western Carolinas. Villalobos died on April 4, 1544 on the island of Ambon, in the Moluccas.