More Information on Priority Stamp, Priority Service and New Definitives

Brochures have been sent to post offices explaining the change in services from the 4 January 2016.

Post offices have also been sent booklets of the Priority labels, as well as sheets of 20. The sheets appear to be self-adhesive with the stamps die-cut and with rouletting between the stamps.

Post offices can also now order 'Wildflower 2015' definitives in $1, $2, $3 and $5 denominations. The suggested release date is late December 2015, allowing businesses and the general public to buy the stamps in advance of the rate rise. The theme of the new definitives is also indicated by the stamp on the cover of the brochure, which shows a wildflower, with a very carefully covered denomination.

Interestingly, this is the first time Australia Post has issued self-adhesive stamps/labels in a sheet format before, and may be indicative of the future.


Update: Customers have started receiving the booklet of five labels, and they appear to have security slits in them (see Stampboards)

Postal Rates to Increase on 4 January; Priority Letter Service Introduced

The ACCC has approved Australia Post's proposal to increase the base letter rate from 70c to $1 from 4 January 2016. In addition Australia Post will introduce a two speed service, with Priority letters taking 1 to 4 business days to deliver, and Regular letters taking up to an extra 2 days. Concession card holders will still be able to post mail at 60c, and Christmas cards will still cost 65c.

To ensure an item is sent Priority a label must be added next to the stamp. The Data Matrix code on the label will be read by the mail sorting machinery, and hence the letter will be given priority. The Priority label must be attached to the letter to ensure Priority delivery. Priority stickers can be attached stamped letters (including those posted at the Concession and Christmas rates) and prepaid envelopes. The Priority service is on available for letters; parcels have their own separate delivery schedule, and are pointless on Express Post items which delivered the next business day (within the Express Post network).

Priority labels are now available for purchase via the Australia Post online shop (under Pack and Post > Postage Stamps).

Stamp Show Products now Available online

One of my pet hates with Australia Post mail order has been that miniature sheets produced for overseas shows were only available by phoning up mail order, and having to pay the extra $5 handling fee. Thankfully, Australia Post has listened to reason, and as predicted are now selling show products online.

The first product available is the $1.40 Koala miniature sheet for the China Stamp Show, with the Hong Kong sheet hopefully to follow.

Update (5 November 2015): Australia Post has confirmed the printer of the Beijing and Hong Kong show sheets is RA Printing. The original Koala stamp is printed by Ego, so this is the first time this stamp has been printed by RA Printing. Likewise the Tram stamp will be new (original is printed by McKellar Renown).

Three Personalised Stamps™ Available with Christmas 2015 Issue

Following on from last year, three more Christmas stamps have been added to the Personalised Stamps™ range. The sheet with the Present stamp, also includes the 65c Dove stamp (again there is likely to be 9 of one design, and 11 of the other). The printer, perforations and phosphor tagging are expected to be the same as before, but will be confirmed once the stamps have been examined.

Readers are reminded that I will be splitting my sheets of Personalised Stamps™ up, and collectors who are interested in a set of three should contact me.

Draft designs (subject to approval by Australia Post)

Update (5 November 2015): In a surprise change of printers, the base sheets are printed by RA Printing, rather than McKellar Renown. This might be due to the small quantities required.
Update (9 November 2015): Appears Australia Post has rejected by designs. I will redesign them and resubmit.

Alvin and the Chipmunks Pack

Readers of the latest Stamp Bulletin would have noticed the Chipmunks pack containing two sheetlets of 10 x 65c Christmas Present stamps and 10 tabs.

The format of these sheets is similar to those in the past, and for specialised collectors results in the a new variety. While it is has not be confirmed it is likely that the printer will be RA Printing (Ego Print printed the regular sheet stamps).

Update (5 November 2015): Australia Post has confirmed these stamps are printed by RA Printing.

Stamp Show Souvenirs Available Online Soon?

First seen this morning the Australia Post webshop has a new section for 'Stamp Show Products'. At the moment the listing is empty, as are the Christmas pages. Hopefully products will be uploaded for purchase from tomorrow, when the Christmas issue is available.

New Ordering System for Limited Edition Impressions™ Items

To avoid the problems in the past with phone ins and people placing multiple orders etc., Australia Post has started a new system where collectors can register their interest in buying a product, and purchasers will be selected at random.

Collectors can register at: https://auspostlimitededitions.com.au/

Registrations closed on 1 November 2015, and collectors will be advised within 5-10 days of the closing date whether they have been successful.

Registrations were extended until 3 November due to distribution problems with the Impressions catalogue to customers in Western Australia.

Victoria Cross Miniature Sheet Collection ($49.95)

This collection contains six imperforate Victoria Cross miniature sheet:

• four with foiled Sydney Stamp Expo postmarks (one for each of the four days)
• an imperforate version, similar to the one sold at the show, but without the show's logo
• a laser cut version (more information to follow)

Limited to: 120 packs

Sheet size: Same as original

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: To be advised

Available from: 2 November 2015

AE2 Commemorative Pack ($69.95)
Marking the centenary of the AE2, this pack contains three pre-stamped envelopes, and postage paid postcard and an imperforate miniature sheet containing six 70c Submarine stamps.

Limited to: 120 packs

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: RA Printing

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Unknown

Available from: 2 November 2015

Update 1 (5 November 2015): Printer added to the AE2 pack.

Impressions™ 2015: The Final Items

Christmas 2015 Foiled Pack

Again Australia Post is issuing a limited edition foiled stamp pack containing this year's Christmas stamps.

The miniatures in the pack are (each sells for $49.95):

• Three sheets containing a block of four of the gummed stamps with foiled designs.
• A sheet containing four foiled self-adhesive stamps (2 x Present, 2 x Dove (65c and $1.70)).

Limited to: 500 packs

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper and self-adhesive

Special features: Each stamp is embellished

Availability date: 30 October 2015

Era of Sail Prestige Booklet ($29.95)

The write up for this prestige booklet makes the contents unclear. It is likely to contain four gummed panes featuring each stamp in a block of four, and a pane printed on silk with self-adhesive gum containing all four stamps.

Limited to: 500 booklets

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper and self-adhesive

Special features: Self-adhesive stamps are printed on silk

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Era of Sail Gold Foiled Stamps ($99.00)

Lastly, the usual gold foiled stamps this year reproduce the Era of Sail stamps. These gold foil stamps are valid for postage, but at almost $25 a stamp, you'd never use them!

Limited to: 250 collections

Stamp size: 37.5 mm x 26 mm

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Unknown

Special features: Gold foiling

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Update 1 (28 October 2015): Changed availability date to 26 October 2015, reflecting the first day these went on sale.
Update 2 (30 October 2015): Changed availability date of Christmas Pack to 30 October 2015, reflecting the first day this went on sale.

Impressions™ 2015: More Coin and Miniature Sheet Packs

Last year Australia Post joined with Perth Mint to release three gold coin and imperforate miniature sheet packs; and again the two have joined up again.

The three packs are (each sells for $89.00):

• 45c Kangaroo stamp and Perth Mint coin (coin sold at $59.50 by Perth Mint)
• 49c Wedge-tailed Eagle stamp and Perth Mint coin (coin sold at $59.50 by Perth Mint)
• 45c Koala stamp and Perth Mint coin (coin sold at $59.50 by Perth Mint)

Limited to: 75 of each pack

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Likely to be digital due to the small print run

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Each design is imperforate, and includes a micro printed '2015' date

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Update 1 (28 October 2015): Changed availability date to 26 October 2015, reflecting the first day these went on sale.

Impressions™ 2015: 2015 Multisheets

Every year I always look forward to the Multisheets. These sheets can contain a few surprises, numerous varieties, and are always excellent value for money. This year's sheets are no different.

Limited to: 500 sets of four sheets

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown (likely to be RA Printing)

Printing Process: Lithography

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Availability date: Likely 30 October 2015 (the issue date of the Christmas stamps)

Update 1 (30 October 2015): As predicted these were placed on sale from 30 October 2015.

Impressions™ 2015: More Special Collections

Apart from the number of coin and stamp products, another thing notable about the 2015 Impressions™ range is number of 'Special Collections'.

Tourist Transport Collection (sold for $49.95)

Contains two numbered miniature sheets, each containing either a block of four of the horse drawn tram or Puffing Billy. These sheets are the only source of these stamps in blocks of four.

Limited to: 200 collections

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Likely to be digital due to the small print run and numbering

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Unlikely

Availability date: 2 November 2015

Lighthouses Special Collection (sold for $69.96)

This collection contains another limited edition and numbered new miniature sheet.

Limited to: 200

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Likely to be digital due to the small print run and numbering

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Unlikely

Availability date: Likely to be 2 November 2015

Lighthouses Miniature Sheet Collection (sold for $49.95)

But wait there's another Lighthouses collection... this time a five miniature sheets collection, and unsurprisingly the sheet in the above collection is not included in this one.

Limited to: 500

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Likely to be lithography

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Unlikely

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Signs of Our Times Collection (sold for $49.95)

This collection is the same as the Signs of Our Times pack released earlier this year, but with the sheetlets embellished with holographic foil. It remains to be seen if the stamps are different to the original sheet stamps.

Limited to: 200

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Likely to be lithography with embellishments applied afterwards

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Embellishments

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Collections Australia Special Edition Stamp Pack (sold for $54.95)

Contains five new miniature sheet (embellishments to be advised):

• an imperforate version of the regular miniature sheet

• a miniature containing a block of four of the Endeavour Anchor stamp with ? embellishment

• a miniature containing a block of four of the Welcome Stranger Replica stamp with ? embellishment

• a miniature containing a block of four of the Automatic Totaliser stamp with ? embellishment

• a miniature containing a block of four of the Turtle stamp with ? embellishment

Limited to: 300

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Unlikely

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Update 2 (28 October 2015): Issue date of the Lighthouse Miniature sheet, Signs of Our Times and Collections of Australia pack changed to 26 October to reflect the first day of availability.

Update 2 (31 October 2015): The Lighthouses Special Collection has been removed from the webshop. It is possible this item has been removed as it will not be available until after 2 November 2015, however the Tourist Transport Collection has not been removed. It is not yet known if this item will return or if it now only available via phoning up the Philatelic Bureau.

Update 3 (2 November 2015): The Tourist Transport pack has gone on sale from 2 November.

Update 4 (9 November 2015): The Lighthouses Special Collection is available to order from Australia Post. According to mail order the item was removed from the online shop by mistake.

Impressions™ 2015: Solar System Collectables

While the Solar System issue received excellent feedback from collectors, the follow Impressions™ items may elicit a mixture of responses.

There are at least four different limited edition Solar System items available.

Solar System Miniature Sheet Collection (sold for $89.95)

Contains eight miniature sheets, each containing either two (Jupiter and Saturn) stamps, or four stamps (other planets). The Mercury and Mars sheets are the only source of these stamps in a strip or block of four.

Limited to: Unknown

Sheet size: 38 mm x 54 mm

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Likely to be digital due to the small print run The sheets appear to be lithographed

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Unlikely

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Solar System Imperforate Sheets

This year we have not one, but two imperforate press sheets. These will no doubt be very popular with space collectors, and I encourage collectors to get in early to secure their pair. The selling price of these is again very reasonable - $99 for the miniature sheet press sheet (face value of $73.50) and $119 for the 35c sheets (face value of $105). The two sheets can be purchased together for $195 (saving $23). If you have ordered the two sheets separately, Australia Post mail order should pick this up and refund you the $23. If they haven't please phone mail order.

Limited to: 250 of each sheet

Printer: As regular issue

Printing Process: As regular issue

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Imperforate

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Our Solar System Special Collection (sold for $69.95)

Contains one miniature and two covers. The miniature sheet is said to be imperforate and embellished. Whether there is any difference between the sheet in this collection and from the imperforate press sheets above remains to be seen.

Limited to: 250

Sheet size: Same as original issue

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Imperforate and embellished

Availability date: Unknown (likely to be 2 November 2015)

Update 1 (28 October 2015): Changed availability date for two items to 26 October 2015, reflecting the first day these went on sale. Noted discounted price for buying the two imperforate sheets together.

Update 2 (31 October 2015): The special medallion cover (not listed above) featuring three medallions and a (regular?) miniature sheet with a gold foiled postmark has been removed from the webshop. It is not yet known if this item will return or if it now only available via phoning up the Philatelic Bureau.

Update 3 (2 November 2015): The medallion cover has returned to the webshop from this date.

Update 4 (10 November 2015): Printing process added for the miniature sheet pack; information added about refunds to those collectors who purchased the two imperforate sheets separately.

Impressions™ 2015: Centenary of WWI Coin and Miniature Sheet Packs

Unfortunately you can have too much of a good thing at times. Again Australia Post will release several coin and imperforate miniature sheets packs (all limited to 150).

There are four packs (each sells for $34.95):

• 70c Centenary of Military Aviation stamp with Royal Australian Mint (RAM) 50c Australian Flying Corps coin (coin sold by RAM for $10)
• $5 Centenary of First Victoria Cross Medal stamp with RAM 50c Boer War coin (coin sold by RAM for $10)
• 70c Centenary of Military Submarines stamp with RAM 50c German New Guinea coin (coin sold by RAM for $10)
• 70c Sydney/Emden Engagement stamp with RAM 50c Battle of Cocos Islands coin (coin sold by RAM for $10)

Limited to: 150 of each pack

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Likely to be digital due to the small print run, and the numbering

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Each design is imperforate, and includes a micro printed '2015' date (though the $5 stamp probably doesn't)

Availability date: 26 October 2015

Update 1 (28 October 2015): Changed availability date to 26 October 2015, reflecting the first day these went on sale.