Western Australia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Western Australia Stamps
Western Australia is the largest state on the continent of Australia, situated in the southwestern region of Oceania. Its postal history begins under British colonial administration, with stamps initially issued by the Swan River Colony before joining the Commonwealth of Australia, which standardized postal services nationally. Stamps from this period predominantly feature English text and denominations in British currency, later transitioning to Australian dollars following federation. The state's distinct early postal issues ceased upon full integration into the unified Australian postal system.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Oceania
- Subregion:
- Australia and New Zealand
- Issuing period:
- 1854 – 1912
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- AUD
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
Western Australia stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Western Australia Stamp Series
Black Swan Issue (1854-1864)
The iconic first issue featuring the Black Swan, the state emblem, printed by Perkins Bacon.
Chalon Head Issues (1860-1902)
Various issues depicting Queen Victoria's 'Chalon Head' portrait, often with different watermarks and perforations.
King Edward VII Issues (1902-1912)
Stamps featuring King Edward VII, marking the transition towards Australian federation.
Western Australia Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues, especially the Black Swan and Chalon Head varieties with specific watermarks, colors, or printing errors, can be highly valuable. Common later issues are generally affordable.
How to Identify Western Australia Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Western Australia stamps:
- 1 Look for 'WESTERN AUSTRALIA' inscription, typically at the top or bottom.
- 2 Early issues feature the Black Swan or Queen Victoria's Chalon Head portrait.
- 3 Denominations are in pence and shillings (d and s) for most issues, later in pounds (£).
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Western Australia stamps?
Western Australia stamps are postal issues released by the British colonial administration of Western Australia (originally the Swan River Colony) from 1854 until 1912, when its postal services were fully integrated into the Commonwealth of Australia.
Are Western Australia stamps valuable?
Yes, many Western Australia stamps can be valuable. Early issues, particularly the iconic 'Black Swan' stamps and certain varieties of the 'Chalon Head' issues with rare watermarks, colors, or printing errors, can fetch significant prices. Later, more common issues are generally more affordable.
How can I identify Western Australia stamps?
To identify Western Australia stamps, look for the 'WESTERN AUSTRALIA' inscription, the Black Swan motif, or Queen Victoria's Chalon Head portrait. Pay close attention to denominations (pence, shillings), watermarks, and perforations, as these are key identifiers for different issues and varieties. A stamp identifier app can also help you quickly identify and learn more about your stamps.
Which catalogs list Western Australia stamps?
Western Australia stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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