Australian Postage Stamps History

For many philatelists, the first Australian postage stamp was issued on 2 January 1913 where a red 1d (one penny) stamp depicted a kangaroo and map. This design was chosen from a Stamp Design Competition and was the first definitive stamp of Australia.

Since then, many other famous Australian postage stamps have been issued. Some collectors may be lucky enough to have secured one of the few stamps that have become valuable rarities throughout the history of Australian postage stamps.

Apart from Australia Post, you can find stamps in a number of locations. Australian postage stamps have been sold through coin-operated vending machines since 1960 and continue to this day. Up until 1984 some stamp booklets could be purchased from Advance Bank ATMS until the bank merged with St George Bank in 1996.

Another interesting fact about Australian postage stamps is that until 1997, the only living people to be depicted on stamps were members of the British Royal Family. However, this has since changed and Australia Post has made an effort to issue stamps that commemorate living Australians every year. The annual Australian Legends issue is a popular release that commemorates Australians who have made a significant contribution to the country.