🇵🇳 Bounty Post, the postal service of Pitcairn Islands, issued a set of 4 stamps on 7 December 2017 to commemorate the Bicentenary of the death of William Bligh whose casting adrift by the mutinous crew of HMS Bounty proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of Pitcairn. The issue reminds us that Bligh should not just be remembered for the Bounty mutiny but that he served under the explorer, Captain James Cook, fought in the Battle of Copenhagen under Admiral Nelson and served as the Governor of New South Wales. Another excellent set from Pitcairn but it has been a busy philatelic year from this minuscule territory - 8 new issues - which might be considered to be more issues than we really want to see it releasing in a single year. Nevertheless, for this issue, Rating:- *****.
The issue was designed by Denise Durkin and lithographed by Southern Colour Print and perforated 13.5.
🇦🇺 Australia Post's new issue programme for the first 2 months of 2018 is reminiscent of Stamperija on steroids. And that isn't a compliment.
🇨🇽 8 January 2018 - inscribed "Australia Christmas Island" - Chinese New Year, Year of the Dog - 2 gummed stamps (a total of $4),1 miniature sheet ($4), 1 pack of 3 'special' miniature sheets including a 'silk' version (sold for $25), a 'Zodiac' sheet (sold for $8), a $20.95c Prestige booklet, and a $12 'Snoopy sheet which contains 10 x $1 Year of The Dog stamps with attached labels featuring Snoopy in various styles and sold for $12. Total cost from Australia Post:- $85.95c (£50.62p).
The issue was designed by Jo Muré and lithographed by RA Print and perforated 14.5 x 14. Rating:- *.
During January 2018 Australia Post will issue stamp packs containing various sheets which are linked to Australia's hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast. The first which is sold for $23 contains 2 panes each containing 10 Greetings stamps with attached labels depicting various sports. A second pack which is sold for $23 contains 2 panes of 10 Greetings stamps with attached labels depicting Borobi the Koala Games mascot. A third pack contains a single pane, sold for $12, which commemorates The Queen's Baton Relay and contains 10 x $1 stamps depicting The Queen with attached labels. Rating:- 0.
On 16 January 2018 an issue will be released which refers to Australia's 'convict past'. The issue commemorates the 150th anniversary of the ending of convict transportation to Australia. This issue is made up of 3 gummed stamps ($5) and 3 self-adhesive stamps (the $1 values sold in booklets of 10) ($10) (the $3 value sold in sheetlets of 5) ($15). Rating:- **.
Yet more "Collectors' packs, presumably also to be issued during January 2018. The emphasis of these 3 is on providing items for children. The first is titled 'Down on the Farm' and depicts appealing farm animals on labels attached to 10 Greetings stamps. The second is on the subject of 'Snow White' and contains a pane of 10 x $1 'Snow White' labels attached to 10 'Heart of roses' Greetings stamps. The third pack contains a pane of 10 Greetings stamps with attached labels featuring Dinosaurs and commemorates the 25th anniversary of the American movie, 'Jurassic Park'. Each of these packs are sold for $12. Rating:- 0.
The annual 'Australian Legends' issue will be released on 18 January 2018 and will be made up of 5 gummed stamps (total face value $5) and 5 self-adhesive stamps from 5 different booklets each containing 10 stamps and sold for a total of $50. Rating:- *.
An issue titled 'With Love' will be released on 6 February 2018. It will be made up of 2 gummed stamps (total face value $3) and 2 self-adhesive stamps sold in booklets of 10 (cost $10) or sheetlet packs of 24 (2 sheetlets each of 12 stamps with each sheetlet featuring 'a different colour embellishment' (sold for $27). Ho hum. Rating:- 0.
Due to be released on 28 November 2017 is a set of gummed stamps (total face value $4), 1 gummed miniature sheet ($4) and 4 self-adhesive stamps (sold in booklets of 20 at a price of $20) on the subject of the fascinating plants known as Banksias. An interesting and attractive set but put in the context of all the other philatelic items being flooded on to the market, hardly necessary. Rating:- **.
The issue was designed by Celia Rosser and Jo Muré and lithographed by RA Printing and perforated 14.4 x 14.
🇳🇫 A $5 miniature sheet inscribed 'Norfolk Island' will be released by Australia Post on 27 February 2018 on the subject of Golf in Norfolk Island. This is an attractive item bound to be of interest to golf players and was designed by Neil Walker and lithographed by EGO and perforated 14.5 x 14. Rating:- ***.
These then are Australia Post's stamp issues for January and February 2018 and if you want to buy one of each the total cost will be $337.95c (£189.88p). Happy new year!
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