Queen Victoria Australia postage stamps
Queen Victoria’s portrait on postage stamps during the 19th century was a common practice in many British colonies, including Australia. Australia’s connection with Britain dates back to 1770 when Captain Cook’s ship, the Endeavour, first reached its shores, and James Cook claimed it as British territory. However, it wasn’t until 1788 that the colonization of Australia began in earnest, with the establishment of a colony in New South Wales, specifically at Port Jackson (modern-day Sydney Harbour), by a fleet of 11 ships carrying a governor, British troops, and convicts.
Subsequently, other colonies were established across the Australian continent. The six British colonies that eventually formed the foundation of modern Australia were New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. Each of these colonies played a significant role in the shaping of Australia’s history and development as a nation.
Until 1910 various foreign coins were used, from Spanish Dollars, Pounds and local currencies. From 1910 until 14 February 1966 the Australian Pound was the currency of Australia. After 14 February 1966 the Australian Pound had been replaced with the Australian dollar.
Here are some of the rarest and most valuable stamps from Australia:
Australia 1913 Kangaroo and Map 2d Grey – Only 2 examples are known to exist, one is in the Royal Philatelic Collection. It is considered the rarest and most valuable Australian stamp, potentially worth millions.
Western Australia 1854-57 4d Blue Woodblock Error – With the frame inverted, only about 20-25 examples exist. A fine unused one can fetch over $100,000.
New South Wales 1850 “Sydney View” 1d Dull Red – One of Australia’s first stamps, it depicts a view of Sydney. Only around 50 examples survive. Nice used examples can sell for over $50,000.
Victoria 1855 1d Dull Green Half-Lengthwise Error – A major error where the stamp was printed across the sheet diagonally. Around 15-25 exist. An unused example sold for over $300,000 in 2019.
Australian Antarctic Territory 1957 1d Green Miniature Sheet – Unissued and only a few exist. One sheet sold for over $200,000 in 2006.
Western Australia 1854-55 1d Black Swan Error of Color – The intended 4d stamp printed in black instead of blue. Only 6-10 copies known. A used example sold for $115,000 in 2013.
Other key Australian rarities include the 1923 £2 Kangaroo Stamp, early Sydney Views, and errors/varieties of the first Kangaroos. Rarity, condition and provenance are the main drivers of the immense value for these legendary Australian stamp issues.