...Slovakia - Postage Stamp Miniature Sheet of €4 (Used)

Slovakia - Miniature sheet of €4.

Theme - Personalities of the Slovak National Theatre 

Release Date - 24.06.2025 

 

In February 2026, a good friend of mine in Slovakia posted me the Czech Republic 100 kurona commemorative banknote celebrating the country's 100th year of the establishment of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia  commemorative. In his letter, he affixed a miniature sheet postage stamp of €4 on the back of the envelope. This is a very large miniature sheet and I have now posted here to share this beautiful stamp with you all.

I used to be a postage stamp collector many years ago but had stopped collecting and since then concentrating solely on just banknotes. Back in those collecting years, I would be over the moon to get this kind of miniature sheet for my collection. 

 

Four Euro (Used) 

Sizes - 175mm x 120mm

Below are the themes/descriptions of this issue, courtesy of Slovakia Post. (Unedited)

The professional era of Slovak theatre culture began with the opening of the Slovak National Theatre in March 1920. Even though we do not have a long tradition we can be proud of in comparison to our neighbouring countries, Slovak theatre caught up and was able to achieve major milestones and international successes in a little over a hundred years. A lot of the credit for this goes to the actors: in every historical period, there were distinctive personalities whose art made the young Slovak theatres noticeably more visible. One of the strongest generations was the group of actors and actresses who acted in plays at the Slovak National Theatre at the turn of the 1930s and 40s as graduates of the Academy of Music and Drama for Slovakia (State Conservatory from 1941). At that time, it was the only Slovak school where acting was taught. František Dibarbora (1916–1987) had a unique comedic talent that naturally moved along the rich spectrum of this genre, from coarse slapstick to conversational salon humour. However, in his later years, he also showcased the tragic face of his acting. Karol L. Zachar (1918–2003) was perceived as a performer who played elderly roles thanks to his dry raspy voice and mature appearance. From the mid-forties, he was established as a visual artist but mainly as a specific director. For the next three decades, he fundamentally shaped the profile of post-war Slovak theatre. Mikuláš Huba (1919–1986) had a melodic voice and graceful expression which destined him to play positive heroic roles in classical verse dramas, those of characters who would not hesitate to lay down their lives for their ideals. Likewise, Viliam Záborský’s (1920–1982) voice was his dominant means of expression. He personified men with strong gestures, charismatic commentators, intellectuals or aristocrats, but in later years also their opposites, animalistic people. The talent of František Zvarík (1921–2008) provided him with a prominent place in both plays, where directors mainly saw him in the role of a bon vivant, enjoying the gifts of life, and opera where he was involved in major productions of the classical repertoire with his dramatic bass. The earthy nature of Július Pántik (1922–2002) meant that he particularly tended to play the role of a good-hearted altruist, an authoritarian rebel or a folk wise-man within Slovak and international classics. Six artists, six talents, six shades of richly coloured Slovak acting.

Karol Mišovič

...Shell Motorsport Collection - Bluetooth Remote Control Cars 2025 Series

Shell Motorsport Collection 2025 Series

Well, they are back again. 

In October 2022, Shell Australia released seven Bluetooth remote control cars as toys or collectibles. In addition to the seven individual cars, Shell also released full sets in a presentation box at a price of A$124.95 per set. The presentation box also came with two rechargeable battery packs to power the cars.

Fast forward 3 years, and in October 2025. Shell Australia again released another set of 8 Bluetooth remote control cars as toys/collectibles. This time, it is one car more than the 2022 series. The eight cars released for this second series are not the same as those released in 2022.

The sale of the 2025 Shell Motorsport Collection is promoted by Viva Energy Retail Pty Ltd, a company based in Docklands (Melbourne) in the state of Victoria, Australia.  

Like those released in 2022, this 2025 series is also released in a presentation box with all the 8 cars, similar packaging design as before but the box is made of metal (tin box) this time. All individual cars were released on a Wednesday, which is also traditional (in my opinion) when the pump price at the service station is usually the cheapest of the week. 

The eight cars for this 2025 series are: -

01.10.2025 - Scuderia Ferrari F1-F75 car;

08.10.2025 - Shell V-Power Racing Team Ford Mustang GT car;

15.10.2025 - Nissan Formula E Team Gen 3 car;

22.10.2025 - Forze IX Hydrogen car;

29.10.2025 - Team Penske Ford Mustang GT car;

05.11.2025 - Hyundai i20N Rally 1 Hybrid car;

12.11.2025 - BMW M Hybrid V8 car; and

19.11.2025 - Team Penske Indy car.

The full set in a tin presentation box was released on 05.11.2025.

The condition of sale for the 2025 series has changed this time as compared to the 2022 series. In 2022, you can buy the cars without purchasing anything from Shell Service stations, and many collectors were not happy with this as many were missed out due to either lack of stock or people just buy the cars out right without purchasing anything from Shell Service stations. I read somewhere that one of the service stations in the countryside only received two cars for one particular model. Obviously two cars is definitely not enough for a service station.

The condition of sales for the 2025 series is that you have to purchase a minimum fuel of $20 (Qualifying Spend) at Shell Reddy Express and Shell OTR sites (Shell Service Stations), or for the same amount in the store (milk, coffee, chips, soft drinks etc) in order to buy one car and if you need two, you will have to purchase $40* worth of fuel or other items in the service station to meet the Qualifying Spend condition. The good thing is that this condition only applies to the car and not the battery, as you can get the battery to top up your minimum requirement if you cannot top up your car with fuel. Due to this condition, the sale of these cars are fairer to everyone as it should only be benefiting their customers and not others. No doubt you can fill up your tank with at least $20 worth of fuel every week, and for some larger cars, you can top up your tank even more. Back in 2022, you can get the cars for $10 with fuel purchase or $15 without any purchases.

Note* - According to the terms and conditions, it says that regardless of how much fuel or purchase made, you can only purchase one car at a time provided you meet the Qualifying Spend condition. The Qualifying Spend condition only applied to the cars but not the accessories.

Provided you meet the Qualifying Spend conditions, the car is sold at $18 each, up from $10 in 2022. 

As these are Bluetooth remote cars, batteries are sold separately at $8 each (no change to the 2022 price). This time, the battery comes in red colour, whilst the 2022 version is in white. In addition to the battery, an empty tin presentation box is also available for $20 each. This allows you to buy the car individually and remove them from the presentation packaging and place them in the tin box for display.

The full set for this 2025 series is sold at $149.00, up from $124.95 per set in 2022. Like the 2022 series, it also comes with two spare batteries. It is cheaper to get the full set in a tin box as it works out to $14.125 per car.

For example, the full sets contain all 8 cars at a price of $149.

The tin box if purchased separately is costing $20

Battery pack is $8 each.

My simple calculation: -

$149 less tin box $20; less two batteries $16 = $113 and divided by 8 = $14.125 each. A saving of $3.875 per car or $31 for a total of 8 cars

This would be the cheapest way to get the full sets. According to a website, it stated that you also have to make the minimum purchase requirement in order to get this full set in a tin box. The Shell Service station that I got this from did not impose this condition on me, as he knew that I have been getting all the cars from them from day one. To get the full sets individually, it would cost you: $18 cars x 8 + $16 (two batteries) + empty tin box $20 = $180. I can tell you this is not a cheap hobby to get into.

I have not tested all the cars yet. I only bought them as a collector and may sell them one day for financial gains or let the next generation to inherit them. It is up to them if they too want to keep them or offload to someone who might appreciate this hobby more, just like my banknote collections. 

If you are also a collector, please feel free to share your comments here. 

I understand that the sale of these cars ended on 02.12.2025, but there are still cars and batteries available at Shell Service Stations. I visited one today and noticed that they have now reduced the price from $18 to $15, but I forgot to ask if the qualifying spend condition still apply or you can just buy it outright with no fuel purchase required. If no fuel purchase is required, then I believe this is a nice toy to buy for kids for their Christmas presents 2025. 

Note: - The above is just my personal opinion. No harm intended. 

...Shell Motorsport Collection - Bluetooth Remote Control Cars 2022

Shell Motorsport Collection

 

I am still a little boy living inside a man's body!!

 

According to a website, Shell Australia or Viva Energy Australia launched the sale of the Shell Motorsport Collection of seven cars on 29.09.2022.

 

Before I start, I must say that I was not aware that these promotional products existed until one morning when I filled up my car at the Shell servo, and saw a sign displaying all the seven models of the cars. When I went in and paid for my purchase, there was this paper box stand stocked with two first models of the toy cars and out of curiosity, I bought the first two cars available and along with two batteries as well.  

 

Technically, these are my first EV cars I ever owned.

Here is the story of this Shell promotional toy cars release.

Shell Australia for the first time, released a limited edition of seven cars, only exclusively at Shell Coles Express servos around the country. In all, a total of seven cars were released, and these are Bluetooth- controlled models. The cars can be controlled by a smartphone by downloading the Global Shell Racing app onto your phone for free, by simply scanning the QR quote on the box of the car or battery.

As mentioned above, this promotion was launched on 29.09.2022, with one car each per week. However, I am not sure if the first car was released on 29.09.2022 or was it released the following week on  06.10.2022. Unfortunately, I am unable to find the exact date for the first car released, and for the sake of the argument, I will use the date as 06.10.2022, until I can confirm the actual date.

The main body of the cars are made from die-cast metal with the scale of 1:41, with other smaller parts made of plastic, like the side mirrors, the driver's safety frame of the Ferrari, and of course for the wheels as well. Each model can be remotely controlled via a smartphone, with gamification and engagement through the global Shell Racing App. From the remote control of your smartphone, you have the options of three control settings for turning the car left or right, like with the left and right arrows, image of the steering wheel or by just simply tilting the smartphone whichever way you wish to turn. For those cars like the Ford Mustang, you can also turn on the front head lights in the dark, but no option for the tail lights. The sound of the horn is also included on the app, but not attached to the car itself.

These cars were released each week with one model until stocks last, with the exclusive motorsport models starting with the Shell V-Power Racing Mustang GT Supercar. Below, I believe these were the released dates:

06.10.2022 - Team Ford Mustang GT 

13.10.2022 - Team Penske Ford Mustang GT

20.10.2022 - Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC (limited edition)

27.10.2022 - Scuderia Ferrari SF90

03.11.2022 - BMW M4 Motorsport (limited edition)

10.11.2022 - Nissan Formula E Glen 2 (limited edition)

17.11.2022 - Team Penske Indy (limited edition)

The above cars were all sold at $15 each. However, you only have to pay $10 per car if you have purchased fuel at Shell servo for the minimum amount of $20 net i.e. after applying any discount that you might have from say Coles 4 cents discount voucher and Linkt 4 cents discount that you might be eligible for. If you did not purchase any fuel, you are still entitled to the discounted price of $10 each if you have purchased a minimum of $20 from the Shell Coles Express store at the servo. As long as you have spent $20 net at the servo, there is no limit of cars you can buy at the discounted price.

However, you can still buy these cars even if you have not purchased any fuel or items at the servo, at a price of $15 each. Again, there is no restriction as to how many you can buy.

As this is a Bluetooth control toy, you will need the special battery to power the car, and this costs $8 each, with no discount. All you need is just one battery minimum to power all the cars you have, as you can just swap them in between for other cars that you want to play or race with.

As the promotion was started on 29.10.2022, the offer will last until 30.11.2022 or unless all are sold out. Unfortunately, because some of the models were released in small quantities many servos only get between 5 or 6 cars on the day of the release, and sell out almost immediately. Obviously, many collectors were not too happy with this as many took this opportunity and resold it on the Internet at a humongous or ridiculous asking price. Some models were sold for $150+ per car, for a price of $10.

On 03.11.2022, Shell also released the full set in a display box for $124.95 with all the seven models of  cars. In addition to the car, it also includes two battery packs. Again, this full set was also a limited edition, and it is nicely present in a box that you can have it displayed in your home. I believe these were also all sold out on the morning of its release too.

In my opinion, of all the seven cars released, the Scuderia Ferrari SF90 is the most impressive one. The look on this car is stunning and nice, and I was so impressed that I bought 3 cars in a box for my collection. The intention was to open one and try it out, but now I am not sure. It is prettier in the box than to take it out for a trial run. However, the quality control on these cars is a bit disappointing. Of all the cars I have purchased, some of them have scratch marks/lines on it. Then, what do you expect when you only paid $10 for the car?

The design or quality control is also another issue. If you have the Team Penske Ford Mustang GT in your collection, and if you have taken this car out of the box, have a look at the back of the car. On the back left side of the car, it has a straight finish. Now have a look at the right and you can see that finishing curved in, i.e. not straight. I am not sure if the real car is designed this way, but honestly I doubt it is.

...Malaysia - Aerogramme Pre Paid Air Mail Envelope

This is like walking down a memory lane.

Can anyone remember this? Many younger generations may not even know this existed in the first place. I bought this, I believe, in the 1970s or perhaps the early 1980s, but somehow forgot to use it. It's still in good condition, but unfortunately it has been folded. 

In those days, this was the cheapest way of sending letters overseas. This is the pre Internet era, of course. This prepaid letter/envelope is limited to what you can write on it, and this is also all depending on how large your writings are. The smaller there are, the more you can fit your message into this letter. If you are one of those who loves writing War & Peace, then you may have a problem here.

Given the restriction on this type of postage product, has anyone inserted separate sheets into this? Technically, you are not allowed to, but I am sure, many 'Einsteins' would have tried this (not me). I can't remember if it was me who received one or someone who received one that a separate piece of paper was inserted into the mail as it was running out of space to write. Talk about getting it off your chest!! The other disadvantage is that you can't have photos inserted into such letters either.   

 

...Singapore - $150, 150th Year of the Founding of Singapore First Gold Coin 1969

The Republic of Singapore

Singapura / சிங்கப்பூர் / 新加坡

 

Singapore Mint

Below, I believe, is the first gold coin minted and issued in Singapore by the Singapore Mint. This coin was issued in 1969 to commemorate the 150th year of the founding of Singapore 1819-1969. In 2019, Singapore's central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) released a $20 polymer banknote celebrated the 200th year of the founding of Singapore.

Singapore once belonged to the Sultan of Johor, prior to the arrival of the British governor Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. Raffles was then granted the right to establish a trading post in Singapore by Sultan Hussein following his return from exile in Riau (now part of Indonesia) and installed as the new Sultan of Johor with the help of Raffles. In 1824, a treaty was signed that led to the control of Singapore by the British. In 1826, Singapore became part of the Straits Settlements. From 1942 to 1945, Singapore was occupied by the Imperial Japanese army during the second world war. Internal self-government was granted in 1955 and in 1963, Singapore merged with Malaya, Sarawak and British Borneo (now Sabah) to form Malaysia. Brunei was also invited to join at that time but decided not to. In 1965, Singapore left Malaysia and became a Republic.

This coin was initially acquired from a goldsmith and for that it was purchased based on gold value then and not as a gold coin collectible item. This coin was given to me as a wedding gift by my late mother many years ago. The condition of this gold coin is still in excellent condition. I believe this coin is not rare.

 

The design on the front of the coin is the National Coat of Arms of Singapore. It should be noted that this coat of arms has since been altered to show a happy or smiling face, rather than a sad one, as per below. The symbol of the arms showing a lion holding the shield on one side and the tiger doing the same on the other side. On the shield it has the five stars above a crescent. Underneath, it has the banner with the words - Majulah Singapura (Advance Singapore). If you look carefully, the banner represents a sad look. I am not sure when this sad looking Coat of Arms was altered as coins issued right up to 1991 all having the same design. However, in 1992, this was changed and all coins minted since then showing a smiling banner look. Are they really that superstitious? It seems that auspicious dates also played an important part in Singapore as well. The Feng Shui got it to be right, right?

One Hundred and Fifty Dollars

Arms of Singapore

Specifications
Fine gold - 0.916
Mintage - 198,000
Diameter - 30.48mm

Weight - 24.88 grams (about 0.8039 of an ounce pure gold)

Designer (obverse) - Christopher Ironside

Date of Release - ???

Lighthouse

I believe the lighthouse depicted on the reverse is the Raffles lighthouse. This lighthouse is located on Pulau Satumu (Satumu Island), which is the southernmost island, south of Pawai Island. The island of Satumu is about 14 km south of Singapore's main island. Satumu in Malay means one tree. The foundation stone for this lighthouse was laid in 1854 by the then Governor of the Straits Settlements William John Butterworth (b.1801-1856), and the construction for the lighthouse was completed in 1855. Interesting to know that this is still a working lighthouse and is managed by two lighthouse keepers on a daily 12 hours shift cycle for 10 days and then 10 days off. In another word, at least 4 keepers are employed on rotation every 10 days to work on this lighthouse. The tower stands 29 meters tall and has a range of 12 nautical miles. Well, you can visit this island as well. How good is that? I wonder if they have a restaurant or a bar on the island?,

 

Unfortunately, I do not have the case or the official certificate for this coin. It would be nice if I had them.

In addition to the above, a proof version of the coins were also released and restricted to 500 sets. One can only assume that this would be a rare item. Value wise, I have no idea, but it will be worth many times above the value of the normal issue.  

As mentioned earlier, this coin was minted by the Singapore Mint. The Singapore Mint was established in 1968 and has contractual rights to mint all coins for the government of Singapore. In addition to this, the company also mint coins for foreign entities. Singapore Mint is wholly owned by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the central bank of Singapore.