The common design was a chain designed by Helgi Haflidason of Iceland. The word “europa,” all in lowercase letters, is at the left of the horizontal design, running upward, and one of the links in the chain forms the “o” of the word. Within the chain’s links at the right are the letters “C E P T.” Malta issued their first Europa stamps and Finland returned. Most stamps were issued in early May. France issued one stamp of their own design, featuring the Basilica of St Mary of Salvation at the entrance of the Grand Canal in Venice and the CEPT logo. The basilica, built in the 17th century after a plague, apparently to fulfill a vow, has an octagonal interior surmounted by a dome. The sacristy contains Tintoretto’s painting, “Marriage at Cana.”
