The biblical Magi (also referred to as the Three Wise Men, were distinguished foreigners in the Gospel of Matthew and Christian tradition. They are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They are regular figures in traditional accounts of the nativity celebrations of Christmas and are an important part of Christian tradition.
The Gospel of Matthew is the only one of the four canonical gospels to mention the Magi. Matthew 2:1-2 has it that they came “from the east” to worship the “king of the Jews”. The gospel never mentions the number of Magi. Still, most western Christian denominations have traditionally assumed them to have been three in number, based on the statement that they brought three gifts.
Details
- Date of Issue: 17 November 1973
- Date Withdrawn:
- Date Invalidated:
- Designer: John Waddington of Kirkstall Ltd, Leeds, England
- Printer: Format International Security Printers Ltd
- Process: Lithography
- Paper:
- Watermark: Cockerels
- Perf: 13.5 (comb)
- Cylinders:
- Sheet:
- Quantity:
Subjects
- 3t – Three Wise Men
- 8t – Three Wise Men
- 15t – Three Wise Men
- 30 t- Three Wise Men
- 56t – Miniature Sheet