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News from around the World

Is it a Stamp or is it a Label ?

A king-size stamp-like label created by Royal Mail has collectors asking questions.
Known as Horizon Postage Labels, they are created on the spot by postal clerks to frank mailed parcels and magazines and can include text in the regional dialect.

Each label includes the place and date of creation, the postage value, and a large letter code indicating the type of service that has been paid for.

The £3.96 label illustrated, is dated 13 May 2010, and has an A to indicate the International airmail rate.

A 2nd class Machin definitive is shown for comparison.

The labels, measuring 59mm x 65mm, carry similar security features to the Machin definitives ~
    • wavy lines of security lettering across the entire design
    • self adhesive backing with die-cut simulated perforations

The first Saint from ‘Down-under’

Australia Post has issued a souvenir minisheet and a postage-paid envelope, featuring an image of Australasia’s first ‘saint’, Sister Mary MacKillop, in anticipation of her canonization in October. Mary lived in New Zealand for several years, helping to establish The Sisters of St Joseph in 1883.Her Kiwi connection is recognized – the PPE shows her with an ‘Aoteoroa congregation of 1895’.

 Christchurch stamp dealer, Steven McLachlan is preparing to mark the event with the release of a 50c CAL.

Editors Note: we notice with amusement, that the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Canberra is leading a pilgrimage to Rome for the occasion ~ flying on Emirates !

Australia Post Ups the Rate

Australia Post has gained approval from the Consumer Commission to increase the basic letter rate from 55c to 60c as from the end of June. This is the third rise in 18 years and although costs continue to rise while revenue falls, Australia Post hopes to hold the 60c rate till at least 2012.

Editors Note: At 60c, this is equivalent to NZ 75c and makes posting letters in Australia 50% more expensive than on the this side of the Tasman !

Worlds Most Valuable Stamp Changes Hands

The yellow Swedish 1855 Three Skilling Banco, considered to be the world’s most valuable stamp, sold recently in Geneva to a consortium of buyers for an undisclosed amount (believed to be about NZ$6 million).
It was last sold publicly in 1996 for nearly NZ$4 million.
Normal issues of the 3Sk stamp are green ~ only one yellow copy is known.
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