Postage stamps and postal history of Tasmania
This is a survey of the postage stamps and postal history of Tasmania (originally known as Van Diemen's Land), a former British colony that is now part of Australia.
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First stamps
The first stamps of Van Diemen's Land were issued on 1 November 1853.[1][2]
The colony was renamed in 1852 but until old stamp supplies were used up the Van Diemens Land stamps were used. The first stamps inscribed Tasmania were issued in January 1858.[3]
Until 1896, all postage stamps portrayed Queen Victoria. In 1899, a pictorial set was issued and was reprinted several times until 1912.
Tasmania's last issue was in 1913 and was superseded by those of Australia.[4]
Postal fiscals
Between 1882 and 1900, revenue stamps of 1863 to 1900 were valid for postage. These postal fiscals remained in use unofficially until 1903.
Gallery
- 1855 2 pence green
- 1899 pictorial 4 pence stamp, based on a painting of Russell Falls by Haughton Forrest.
References
- Stanley Gibbons Stamp Catalogue: Commonwealth and British Empire Stamps 1840-1970. 110th edition. London: Stanley Gibbons, 2008, p. 27. ISBN 0-85259-653-7
- Rossiter, Stuart; Fowler, John (1989). The Stamp Atlas. London: Macdonald & Co (Red Cat). p. 182. ISBN 0-7481-0309-0.
- Tasmania. Archived 2012-03-24 at the Wayback Machine Sandafayre Stamp Atlas. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- Rossiter, Stuart; Fowler, John (1989). The Stamp Atlas. London: Macdonald & Co (Red Cat). p. 183. ISBN 0-7481-0309-0.
Further reading
- Tinsley, Walton Eugene. Stamps & postal history of Tasmania. London: Royal Philatelic Society London, 1986.
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