On 17 September 1979 Australia Post will issue six stamps featuring Australian birds. Their denominations are 1c Zebra Finch, 2c Crimson Finch, 15c Forest Kingsfisher, 20c Eastern Yellow Robin, 40c Lovely Wren and 50c Flame Robin. The new stamps are part of the current ‘Australian Birds’ definitive series. The other values in the series, the 5c Hooded Dotterel, 20c Little Glebe, 25c Spur-wing Plover, 30c Pied Oystercatcher and 55c Lotus Bird were issued in July 1978.
In accordance with the stamp issuing policy (Philatelic Bulletin March 1978) the basic postage rate denomination, the 20c Little Glebe, will be replaced by the 20c Eastern Yellow Robin. The 20c Little Glebe will be withdrawn from sale at post offices on 17 September 1979 and from philatelic sales centres on 19 September 1980.
The 1c Banded Coral Shrimp, 2c Fiddler Crab, 15c Pioneer Food, 40c Performing Arts and 50c Mount Buffalo definitive stamps currently on general sale will be replaced by the corresponding values of the ‘Australian Birds’ series stamps being issued on 17 September 1979. The sale of these stamps at philatelic sales centres will continue for a further 12 months, provided stocks last.
Details
- Date of Issue: 17 September 1979
- Withdrawn Date:
- Invalidated:
- Designer: Kay Breeden Williams
- Printer: Note Issue Department, Reserve Bank of Australia, Melbourne
- Process:
- Multi-colour photogravure – Chambon press (1c, 2c,15c,40c,50c)
- Multi-colour photogravure – Rembrandt press (20c)
- Cylinders: (see individual stamps)
- Paper: KP6T unwatermarked coated paper incorporating helecon
- Watermark: None
- Perf: comb
- 13.25 x 13.5 (1c, 2c)
- 13.5 x 13.25 (15c, 40c, 50c)
- 14.75 x 14 (20c)
- Sheet:
- Printed in two panes of 50 stamps (R10 x 5) divided by vertical gutter. (1c, 2c)
- Printed in two panes of 50 stamps (R5 x 10) divided by horizontal gutter. (15c, 40c, 50c)
- Printed in four panes of 50 stamps (R10 x 5) divided by horizontal and vertical gutters and issued in two panes of 50 stamps, separated by vertical gutter. (20c)
- Quantity:
- 19,658,000 (1c)
- 67,130,500 (2c)
- 41,148,000 (15c)
- 230,750,000 (20c)
- 63,632,500 (40c)
- 16,238,000 (50c)
Subjects
- 1c Zebra Finch
- 2c Crimson Finch
- 15c Forest Kingfisher
- 20c Eastern Yellow Robin
- 40c Lovely Wren
- 50c Flame Robin
Souvenir Pack
The six stamps will be available in a souvenir pack for $A1.43. Technical and background information regarding the stamps is printed on the inside cover of the pack.
First Day Covers (Official)
One first day cover (190 mm x 101 mm), numbered 132 will be provided for this issue. It will be available unserviced for $A0.12 from 10 September 1979. The cover with the six stamps affixed and postmarked 17 September 1979, will cost $A.1.40.
First day cover no. 132 will be available at all first day of issue post offices including philatelic sales centres until 1 October 1979, provided stocks last.
Stamp Bulletin
Australia Stamp Bulletin No.142 (August 1979)
