Australian Stamps

Welcome to AustralianStamps.com

This site is designed to keep you informed of the lastest trends in Australian stamp collecting, as well as accessing the archives of stamps and Australian coins from previous years.

Stamp collecting has become increasingly popular over the years, with many people determined to keep hold of these treasured pieces of history.  Australian stamp collectors are considered extremely priviledged because in the relative short history of the country, they have seen a number of changes of head of state, and changes from pre-decimal currency and measurements to the decimal system, and a rich history of sporting stars, many of whom are represented on its stamps.

While the first Australian stamps were issued in New South Wales and Victoria in 1850, the postal service was tied to the United Kingdom.  It was not until Federation in 1901 when the Commonwealth of Australia opened its own postal service.

Many collectors agree that true stamp collecting began with the release of the red 1d Kangaroo/Map stamp which was the first stamp with a true Australian flavour.

Many of these pre-decimal stamps are quite rare nowadays, with stamps marking the opening of Parliament House,  the acension of King George IV, and the Melbourne Olympic Games all being commemorated at various stages.

  In 1997, Australia Post altered its policy to include the depictions of living persons on its stamp.  Previous to this, only living members of the British monarchy, and great Australians who had passed away were celebrated with their images on Australian stamps.

Apart from Australian flora and fauna, which featured heavily on early stamps, other noteworthy Australians to have graced Australian stamps include Don Bradman, and Gold medal winners from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.