Australia Philately: 1978 Australian Birds (II)

A set of five “Australian Birds” series definitive stamps were issued in connection with the new postal charges introduced on 1 July 1978. The birds featured on the are all ground-nesting birds. 

Two of the five denominations, the 20c Little Glebe and the 55c Lotus Bird, were issued on 3 July 1978 and the remaining three denominations, thr 5c Hooded Dotterel, the 25c Spur-wing Plover and the 30c Pied Oystercatcher were issued on 17 July 1978.

Details
  • Date of Issue: 17 July 1978
  • Withdrawn Date:
  • Invalidated: 
  • Designer: Kay Breeden Williams
  • Printer: Note Issue Department, Reserve Bank of Australia, Melbourne
  • Process: Photogravure
  • Cylinders: (see individual stamps)
  • Paper: KP6T paper – chalk coated with Helecon
  • Watermark: None
  • Perf: 13.25 x 13.5 (comb)
  • Sheet: Printed in two panes of 50 stamps (R10 x 5) divided by vertical gutter.
  • Quantity:
    • 34,038,500 (5c)
    • 32,810,000 (25c)
    • 34,827,500 (30c)
Subjects
Souvenir Pack

The five stamps are also available in a souvenir pack for $A1.50.

First Day Cover No.115 (Official)

Two official first dayt covers, nos. 115 and 116, also designed by Kay Breeden-Williams, were available for the issue. Cover 115 features Spur-wing Plover chicks and was issued for the 5c, 25c and 30c stamps. Cover 116 featured a Louts Bird and was for the 20c and 55c stamps.

CHATSWOOD/N.S.W. 2067

LATROBE STREET/VIC 3000

PHILATELIC SALES CENTRE/SYDNEY N.S.W. 2000

SWAN HILL/PIONEER/SETTLEMENT/VIC 3585