Australia Stamps
Australia, a vast island continent in Oceania, developed a sophisticated postal system stemming from its origins as a collection of British colonies. Early issues reflected colonial ties, transitioning to unified Commonwealth issues following federation in 1901, with stamps predominantly featuring English text.
- Issued stamps
- 1913–present
- Region
- Oceania, Australasia
- Currency
- AUD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Australia stamps
The nation has been a long-standing and active member of the Universal Postal Union since 1891, maintaining a consistent postal identity through both world wars and subsequent political evolution. Its philatelic record showcases a distinct national identity emerging from its colonial past while maintaining strong international postal connections.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- AUSTRALIA
- COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
How to identify Australia stamps
- Look for 'AUSTRALIA' or 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA' as the country name.
- Early issues (pre-1966) will be in pre-decimal currency (pence, shillings, pounds).
- Many stamps feature iconic Australian wildlife, landscapes, or historical figures.
- Watermarks (e.g., Crown and A, or multiple Crown and A) are crucial for identifying early issues and varieties.
Popular series
-
Kangaroo and Map
1913-1948
Australia's first definitive series, featuring a kangaroo on a map of Australia and New Guinea, symbolizing the new nation's identity. Highly sought after by collectors.
-
King George V Heads
1913-1936
A long-running series depicting King George V, issued concurrently with the Kangaroo and Map series, reflecting Australia's continued ties to the British monarchy.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Definitives
1953-present
Numerous definitive series featuring Queen Elizabeth II, evolving in design and theme over the decades, from portraits to native flora and fauna.
-
Australian Fauna and Flora
Various
A recurring theme showcasing Australia's unique wildlife and plant life, popular for its vibrant designs and educational value.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- $0.20–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$50,000+
Common Australian stamps are generally affordable. Early issues, especially the 'Kangaroo and Map' series with rare shades, watermarks, or plate varieties, can fetch significant prices. Errors and scarce pre-decimal issues are also highly valued. Modern commemorative issues are generally of modest value unless in pristine condition or part of limited editions.
Catalogs. Australia stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Australia stamps
Australia stamps are postage stamps issued by the Commonwealth of Australia, beginning in 1913 after the federation of its colonies. They reflect Australia's unique history, culture, wildlife, and its journey from a British dominion to an independent nation.
The value of Australia stamps varies widely. Common modern stamps are typically worth face value or slightly more. However, early issues, particularly the 'Kangaroo and Map' series, King George V definitives, and stamps with errors, rare watermarks, or specific plate varieties, can be very valuable, ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. Condition plays a significant role in determining value.
You can identify Australia stamps by looking for the country name 'AUSTRALIA' or 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA'. Pay attention to the currency (pre-decimal before 1966, decimal thereafter), the monarch depicted (King George V, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II), and the subject matter. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Australia stamps are extensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. There are also specialized catalogs dedicated to Australian philately, such as the Brusden-White Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue, which provide more detailed information on varieties and errors.
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