The fourth child of King John I of Portugal, Dom Henrique of Portugal, Duke of Viseu (1394–1460), better known as Prince Henry the Navigator (Infante Dom Henrique, o Navegador), was a central figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire and in the 15th-century European maritime discoveries and maritime expansion. Through his administrative direction, he is regarded as the main initiator of what would be known as the Age of Discovery and is regarded as the patron of Portuguese exploration. These stamps were issued to commemorate the 5th centenary anniversary of his death.
