Portugal
📮 Maximum Card Analysis According to FIP Criteria
- Theme: Gothic Arcade of the Former Town Hall of Guimarães
- Publisher: Tabacaria Marinho (Largo do Toural, Guimarães)
- Stamp: €0.32 – Guimarães 2012 – European Capital of Culture issue
- Stamp image: Depicts Largo da Oliveira with the official Guimarães 2012 logo
- Postmark: First day of issue – Guimarães, 10-04-2012
- Physical condition: Shows folding marks on the side and center
✅ 1. Thematic and Geographic Concordance
The postcard features a photograph of the Gothic Arcade of the Former Town Hall, located in Largo da Oliveira, Guimarães. The stamp, with a face value of €0.32, depicts the same urban space and includes the official logo of Guimarães 2012 – European Capital of Culture, reinforcing both thematic and institutional coherence. The first-day postmark, dated 10 April 2012, is from Guimarães.
➡️ Conclusion: Excellent thematic, geographic, and institutional concordance.
🖼️ 2. Image Quality and Relevance
The photograph is well-composed, clearly depicting the Gothic arcade, a central architectural element of Largo da Oliveira. Published by Tabacaria Marinho, located in Largo do Toural, the postcard has strong local and documentary value. However, the card shows folding marks on the side and center, which may negatively affect its evaluation in competitive contexts.
➡️ Conclusion: Relevant and appropriate image, but physical condition may reduce its presentation score.
💌 3. Stamp Integration
The stamp is well-positioned, not interfering with key visual elements. Its iconography — combining Largo da Oliveira with the Guimarães 2012 logo — enhances the visual and thematic coherence of the piece.
➡️ Conclusion: Proper and harmonious integration.
📬 4. Postmark
The first-day-of-issue postmark, dated 10 April 2012 and marked Guimarães, is legible and thematically appropriate, reinforcing the philatelic authenticity of the card.
➡️ Conclusion: Suitable and compliant postmark.
