Australia Post will issue a series of three commemorative stamps for Christmas 1981. The first of the series to be issued, the 30c stamp, will be released on 28 September and the remaining two stamps, with 18c and 60c denominations, will be issued on 2 November 1981.
Australia Post’s designs for the three 1981 Christmas stamps each depict four lines selected from an Australian Christmas Carol. William G. James and John Wheeler collaborated to proceduce three sets of five Australian Christmas Carols over a period of thirteen years. The carols illustrated on the stamps are “The Silver Stars are in the Sky” and “Christmas Bush for His Adorning” from the first set of carols published in 1948, and “Noel-time” from the second set published in 1954.
The 30c stamp will be available from 28 September until 31 December 1981, provided stocks last. It will remain on sale at philatelic sales centres until 30 June 1982, provided stocks last.
Details
- Date of Issue: 28 September 1981
- Withdrawn Date:
- 9 October 1981 (FDC)
- 30 June 1982 (stamp)
- Designer: Frank Beck, Sydney
- Printer: Leigh Mardon Pty Ltd, Melbourne
- Press: Four colour Roland Rekord
- Process: Photolithography
- Colours:
- Paper: Litho chromo stamp paper incorporating luminescence
- Watermark: None
- Perf: 13 x 13.25 (comb)
- Sheet: Printed in sheets of two panes of 50 stamps (R10 x 5) and separated by a horizontal gutter.
- Quantity:
Souvenir Pack
A souvenir pack containing this stamp, as well as the 18c and 60c Christmas 1981 issues, will be relased on 2 November 1981.
First Day Covers No.160 (Official)
One first day cover, measuring 165 mm x 92 mm and numbered 160, will be provided for this issue. It will be available unserviced for $A0.15 from 21 September 1981. The cover with the stamp affixed and postmarked 28 September 1981 will cost $A0.45.
First day cover No 160 will be available until 9 October 1981 at all first day of issue post offices, including philatelic sales centres, provided stocks last.
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARKER OFFICES
Australian Stamp Bulletin
Australian Stamp Bulletin No.156 – September 1981
