Australia Post is celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the release of two new stamps to mark 70 years on the throne.
The two stamps depict portraits of the Queen from 1952 and 2019 to emphasise the longevity of her reign, with the designs also emphasising the colour platinum and including a rendition of St Edward’s Crown, which is part of the Queen’s cypher.
Australia Post Group Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said the new royal stamps were an incredibly important element of the Australia Post Stamp Program and formed part of a long-standing tradition.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the most featured person on Australian stamps, and we were the first postal authority in the Commonwealth to produce a stamp for the Queen’s Birthday each year,” Mr Zsolt said.
“We’re delighted to be celebrating another of Her Majesty’s important milestones with these new stamps, which I am sure will be a welcome sight on any letter and an exciting addition to collections across the world.”
Australia Post has previously released stamps to commemorate the Queen’s golden and diamond jubilees, and this year’s stamps and collectables have been designed by Sonia Young of the Australia Post Design Studio.
$1.10 Queen Elizabeth II, 1952
This domestic-rate stamp features a photograph taken on 15 April 1952 by Dorothy Wilding, the first woman appointed as official royal photographer. The portrait forms part of the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London. Portraits from this photo shoot helped to create the Queen’s likeness on new coins, banknotes and stamps, including in Australia.
$3.50 Queen Elizabeth II, 2019
The international-rate stamp features a photograph by Max Mumby of Indigo/Getty Images, which shows the Queen attending an event to mark the centenary of British Airways in 2019.
The stamps and associated collectables, including a first day cover, stamp pack and set of maxicards, are on sale from Tuesday 5 April 2022 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last.
