Stamp Collecting Month

Australia Post has released some limited information on their Stamp Collecting Month (SCM) release, which this year will feature Dragonflies (the issue is called "Dragonflies: Nature's Flying Machines"). Interestingly the issue only features five stamps (compared to the usual six to eight), and it appears SCM has been brought forward to August, with the stamps released on 1 August 2017. The five stamps (two at 37.5 mm x 26 mm and three at 50 mm x 30 mm) will also be released in a miniature sheet. I suspect that the miniature sheet stamps will have foil applied to dragonfly wings as was done with the Small Pond issue in 1999. All in all a very attractive issue.

Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday Three Coin Prestige PNC

Part of the Impressions™ range, this limited edition PNC (limited to 1926) includes a digitally printed miniature sheet. This miniature sheet is only available on cover, with a foil postmark tying it to the cover. The $1 stamp is new for specialist collectors with the biggest difference being the thickness of the '$1' and 'Australia' inscriptions.

Issue Date: 7 November 2016
Printer: Unknown at the moment
Perforations: TBA
Paper: TBA

More Personalised Stamps™

More Personalised Stamps™ will be added to Australia Post's line up in the coming days.

The Australian Monotremes Personalised Stamps should finally arrive on 3 October, the day of the price rise, although there's no guarantee of this (they have at least turned up on the website).

 

Unbeknown to many though was the Play School Personalised Stamp™. It was eventually advertised in the Stamp Bulletin but much later than its release date of 9 August. Collectors might be interested in the fact that after several calls to the ABC, I found they have given Australia Post exclusive rights to use any images from Play School on stamps or any philatelic related material. Hence, the generic '50 Years' image below.

We'll need to wait and see if Australia Post issues new Personalised Stamps™ for Christmas. With the price of Christmas Cards remains at 65c, Australia Post may reuse last year's stamps.

Leigh Mardon returns to Australian Stamp Business

Sometimes not receiving your order from Australia Post can result in you discovering something new about the production of Australian stamps.

Back in January, when the Greetings Personalised Stamps™ were released I ordered a sheet of each design. Unfortunately, one did not arrive, and after several emails back and forth a replacement sheet was sent. Interestingly this sheet was sent direct from the producer and as such did not come in the usual Australia Post A4 envelope, rather an Express Post envelope stamped on the back 'ABnote'.

It appears that Australia Post has outsourced the production of Personalised Stamps™ to ABnote (part of the American Banknote Company). Leigh Mardon was sold to ABnote in 1996, and so in a round about way it appears Leigh Mardon (under the ABnote brand) has returned to stamp production. Collectors may remember Leigh Mardon was a significant printer of Australian stamps in the 1980s and 1990s, but with the rapid introduction of self-adhesive stamps (a technology Leigh Mardon did not rapidly embrace), and a re-focus on their main product, security products, Leigh Mardon exited the stamp printing business.

The question now is when did Australia Post outsource their Personalised Stamps™? I suspect that it happened in 2015. In early February 2015, Australia Post sold Post Connect, their variable print and mail house service to ABnote. Further digging reveals that eLetter was part of Post Connect, and eLetter for a time was also involved in Australia Post's in house production of Personalised Stamps™. Furthermore emails sent to Karen B. who managed their production for Australia Post were returned to me in late 2015.

Information Released on this Year's Stamp Collecting Month Issue

This year's Stamp Collecting Month issue will feature Endangered Wildlife, with four species from Australia and three from overseas.

It appears six of the stamps are the regular landscape commemorative stamp size (37.5 mm x 26 mm) with the Southern Corroborree Frog being a larger 50 mm x 30 mm size. No doubt there will be a miniature sheet combining the seven designs. Also, as happened last year two of the values are half the price of the standard domestic rate.

Printing Error on Upcoming Weddings Prestige Booklet

Staff at Australia Post have advised that the $2 Weddings Prestige Booklet, due for release on 25 January, may be delayed due to a printing error.

Details are sketchy about the actual error, but it is believed that somewhere on the booklet it says the contents are twenty stamps, whereas the booklet only contains 16. Rather than scrap and reprint the booklets, post offices are being issued with stickers that need to be stuck over the error. As of yesterday these haven't been seen, although many post offices have their Love to Celebrate stock in.

Surprise Personalised Stamps™ for Wildflowers Stamps

Australia Post surprised modern collectors by releasing personalised versions of the four Wildflowers stamps on 6 January (the official date of release was 4 January, but the stamps could not be ordered until 6 January). The release is noted in the press release from Australia Post, and may get mentioned in the next Stamp Bulletin (due for release on 11 January).

Why this release is even more surprising is that this is first time we have a $2 non-Wedding/Greetings Personalised Stamp™, and on 25 January there will be 10 more Personalised Stamps™ due for release with the $1 and $2 Greetings issues!

Free Imperforate Miniature Sheet from Australia Post

To encourage collectors to sign up for their free electronic newsletter, Australia Post is giving away a free imperforate miniature sheet.

See http://www.australiapostcollectables.com.au for more information. Offer ends 31 March 2016.

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.