TuscanyFirst Postage Stamp

The most convincing lion in philately

Issued on 1 April 1851, Tuscany’s first stamps show the Marzocco, the heraldic lion of Florence as it’s known in philately. One of the city’s oldest civic symbols, tied to strength, justice, and republican identity. With its paw resting on the Florentine shield, the design feels almost declarative. A local emblem turned political, echoing the sculptural tradition closely associated with Donatello’s Marzocco. One of my favourite first issues, and clearly not just mine. Album Weeds alone lists 13 forgeries, and that’s only the beginning. In reality, dozenth more types exist across specialised references. Genuine stamps are printed on rough handmade paper and should carry the Crown of Tuscany watermark, though some don’t, while others attempt to imitate it. Many of these forgeries are highly deceptive. I’ve seen examples sold through reputable auction houses, a reminder that even experienced professionals, especially those not specialised in the Marzocco, can get it wrong. A useful detail sits at the top of the crown. The small cross must be present on genuine stamps, but often weak, sometimes just a spike. It should sit slightly left under the vertical of the “T” in POSTALE. If the cross is missing, too strong, or perfectly centred, the lion is already giving itself away.