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What should I
collect next
Here a few suggest ions that you might consider.
By Dick Crameri
Australian Antarctic Territory -
Separate stamps have been issued for the Australian Antarctic Territory since
1957. These stamps can also be used for postage within Australia. Antarctic
stamps feature the region's flora & fauna, its exploration and modem
research. Antarctic stamps are issued at infrequent intervals so that a complete
collection can be easily formed. Also, Antarctic first day covers and philatelic
covers postmarked at each station during each summer season, when relief ships
arrive, make an interesting collection.
Aerogrammes - Aerogrammes have been issued since the Second World War, but until 1981 aerogrammes were of plain design printed in one or two colours. Since 1981, full-colour illustrations have appeared on aerogrammes and these form an attractive collection. Also, Christmas aerogrammes have been issued since 1961 and a few commemorative aerogrammes exist.
Special Postmarks - This is a huge field to collect, as hundreds of special postmarks have been provided over the past few years. A useful approach is to collect the special postmarks of one state.
Two types of special postmarks are provided - those for ongoing use at designated post offices and those used for a limited period of a week or so to mark particular occasions. Special postmarks are collected on cover and are a challenge to collect as the number prepared of any postmark is invariably a small quantity.
Postcards -
Australia Post has produced pre-stamped postcards since 1977, although these
have appeared in different guises. Today, postcards are issued in association
with each new stamp issue (called 'maximum cards'). Also, some postcards are issued by Australia Post's
regional authorities for local sale and are not easily obtained.
Flora & Fauna -
Around one third or more of Australian stamps feature wildlife, flowers and
the environment. This provides a good basis for a collection. Australia Post's market research confirms that flora & fauna
remains the most popular theme for stamps amongst the public and it is likely
that a regular flow of stamps featuring these subjects will continue to be
issued.
Stamp Errors -
A very deep pocket is needed to form a representative collection of Australian
stamps featuring production errors. These take the form of 'missing colours' -
ie. one or more component colours in the stamp design goes unprinted - and
lines of perforation are misplaced. Almost all stamp errors are rarities that
escaped the scrutiny of checkers at the stamp printers and usually sell for
several hundred dollars each. Stamp errors have appreciated markedly in recent
years and probably offer the best prospect of further gains in the future.
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