On February 28, 1984, Vatican City issued a series of stamps to commemorate the fifth centenary of the death of St. Casimir.
Born at Cracow in 1458, St. Casimir was the third son of King Casimir IV of Poland. From his youth, leading a devout life interested Casimir more than participating in affairs of state. In 1471, an attempt to make him king of Hungary failed, much to his satisfaction and his father's fury. His enraged father then banished him for a time to a castle near Cracaw. He later served as viceroy of Poland while his father was away in Lithuania. His strong desire to preserve his celibacy led him to reject a proposed marriage with the daughter of Emperor Frederick III in 1483. He died the following year. He is buried in the Cathedral of Vilna. During his brief life, Casimir is noted for his deep piety and devotion to the Virgin Mary. Pope Leo X (1475-1521) canonized him in 1521. St. Casimir is the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania. His feast day is March 4.
The series consists of two values: 550- and 1,200-lire. Both stamps share a common design based on a sketch by Professor Romas Viesulas. In this design, St. Casimir appears with a halo, dressed in humble garb. He holds a cross and a lily, the symbols of faith and innocence, in his left hand. He raises the monument of the Three Crosses with the right hand. The Cathedral of Vilna and the royal castle appear in the background.
The stamps are vertical in format, measuring 24 x 40 mm with a perforation of 14 x 14. The Italian State Polygraphic Institute and Mint printed the series in multicolor photogravure and recess on white chalky paper. The firm printed 950,000 complete series.
