Issue: Greece Maria Amalia (Melina Mercouri) Actress and Politician Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 1
Denominations: 340 Drachma
Issue Date: 1995
Issued By: Greece Post
Melina Mercouri – A Star of Greek Cinema
Maria Amalia ( Melina Mercouri ) was one of Greece best known actresses. Her international acting career brought her recognition beyond Greece. One of her most famous performances was in Never on Sunday which was released in 1960. Her strong screen presence and distinctive personality made her a memorable figure in European cinema. The 1995 stamp issue honors her life through portrait designs that reflect her importance in Greek cultural history. Her image on postage gives collectors an opportunity to remember an artist whose career reached audiences around the world.
From Actress to Minister of Culture
She served in that position from 1981 to 1989 and again from 1993 until her death in 1994. During her public career she remained strongly connected with Greek cultural heritage. Her transition from cinema to politics gave her life an unusual character. She became known not only as an international performer but also as a prominent voice for Greek culture and the arts.
A Lasting Tribute in Greek Philately
The Greek Post commemorated Mercouri one year after her death with a special set of four stamps. The series contains values of 60, 90, 100 and 340 drachma. The issue connects cinema public service and national culture in one attractive philatelic theme. For collectors it represents an important tribute to a woman whose career crossed several fields. Her journey from international actress to cultural leader remains an important part of modern Greek history and gives this issue lasting interest for thematic collectors.