Australia’s 1977 Christmas stamps, of 15c and 45c denominations, were issued on 31st October, 1977. The 15c value is the special postagerate for standard size envelopes containing the Christmas cards for delivery within Australia and endorsed “card only”; the rate applies only during November and December, 1977. The 45c rate is the air mail change to Europe and the United Kingdom for letters weighing up to 10 grams.
Christmas, in Australia, falls in the middle of summer and many people spend their Christmas break relaxing at the beach this is symbolized in the “Surfing Santa” design of the 15c stamps.
The Christian significance of Christmas is featured on the 45c value which depicts the Madonna and Child.
The stamps, aerogramme and souvenir pack will remain on sale at post offices until the end of December, 1977 and philatelic sales centres for up to twelve months from the dare of issue, providing stocks last.
Details
- Date of Issue: 31 October 1977
- Withdrawn Date:
- Invalidated:
- Designer:
- Roger Roberts, Adelaide (15c)
- Jackie O’Brien, Melbourne (45c)
- Printer: Note Issue Department, Reserve Bank of Australia, Melbourne
- Press:
- Rembrandt (15c)
- Chambon (45c)
- Process: Photogravure
- Cylinders:
- Paper: Unwatermarked KP6T incorporating helecon
- Watermark: None
- Perf: Comb
- 14 x 14.75 (15c)
- 13.5 x 13.25 (45c)
- Sheet: Printed in two panes of 50 stamps (R10 x 5) divided by horizontal gutter.
- Quantity:
- 52,457,500 (15c)
- 5,378,000 (45c)
Subjects
- 15c Surfing Santa
- 45c Madonna & Child
Aerogramme
A 25c Christmas aerogramme, designed by Cato Hibberd Design Pty Ltd, of Melbourne, was also issued on the same day. The aerogramme depicts three stylized doves on the left-handed side of the address face and one dove in the stamp area.
Souvenir Pack
A souvenir pack containing both the 15c and 45c stamps is available for 70c.
First Day Covers No. 105 (Official)
ANGASTON/S.A. 5353
PHILATELIC SALES CENTRE/SYDNEY N.S.W. 2000
