Australia kangaroo postage stamps

Australia kangaroo postage stamps

Australia’s Kangaroo stamps are among the most famous and recognizable stamp issues in the world. These stamps, featuring the iconic marsupial that’s synonymous with Australia, have a rich history that spans several decades.

  • Before 1913, each Australian state issued its own stamps. The Kangaroo series marked Australia’s first unified national postage stamp after federation in 1901.
  • The first Kangaroo stamp was issued on January 2, 1913, symbolizing the new Commonwealth’s postal unity.
  • The central motif is a kangaroo (likely a Red Kangaroo) in profile, set against a map of Australia.
  • This design was controversial at the time. Some preferred a portrait of King George V, feeling it more appropriate for a British dominion.
  • The original artwork was by Edwin Arnold, but the final engraving was done by Perkins, Bacon & Co. in London.
  1. Denominations and Colors:
    • The initial 1913 issue ranged from ½d (half penny) to £2 (two pounds), one of the highest face values for a stamp at that time.
    • Each denomination had a distinct color, helping postal workers and public quickly distinguish values.
    • Some famous colors include the 1d (one penny) in red, 2d in grey, and the high-value £1 in grey-blue.
  2. Watermarks and Varieties:
    • One of the joys (and challenges) for collectors is the variety of watermarks used. These include:
      • Small Crown and A (1913)
      • Large Crown and A (1914-1920)
      • Small Crown and Multiple C of A (1926-1930s)
    • There are also variations in paper types and perforations, creating a complex field for specialists.
  3. Longevity:
    • Incredibly, Kangaroo stamps remained in use until the 1960s, with periodic reprintings and some design tweaks.
    • This 50-year span makes them one of the longest-running stamp designs, reflecting their popularity and effectiveness.
  4. High-Value Stamps:
    • The high denominations (like the £1 and £2) were rarely used for regular mail. They were primarily for parcels, telegrams, or high-value registered items.
    • These high values are particularly prized by collectors due to their rarity and the quality of their engraving.
  5. Famous Varieties:
    • The “Inverted Swan” is a famous error where a £2 stamp was accidentally printed with the kangaroo upside-down. Only one is known to exist.
    • Other notable varieties include the “Broken Leg” and “Spencer’s Gulf” flaws on the 1d stamps.
  6. Philatelic Significance:
    • Kangaroo stamps are a cornerstone of Australian and Commonwealth philately.
    • They appeal to various collectors: country-specific (Australia), thematic (animals), and those interested in printing techniques.
    • The long period of use means collectors can trace changes in paper, watermarks, and printing methods through these stamps.
  7. Cultural Icon:
    • Beyond philately, these stamps played a role in shaping Australia’s national identity. The choice of a kangaroo over a royal portrait was a subtle but significant nod to Australian uniqueness.

The Kangaroo stamps are more than just postage; they’re a chronicle of Australia’s early nationhood, its flora and fauna, and the evolution of its postal services. For collectors, they offer a blend of iconic design, technical variety, and historical significance. Whether it’s a simple used 1d red or a rare £2 with an inverted watermark, each Kangaroo stamp tells a part of Australia’s story.