Royal mail queen stamps
A lovely topic!
The Royal Mail Queen stamps are a series of commemorative stamps issued by the Royal Mail to honor the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Here are some key facts about these stamps:
- First issue: The first Queen Elizabeth II stamp was issued in 1952, shortly after her accession to the throne.
- Design: The stamps feature portraits of the Queen, often in various poses and attire, as well as scenes from her life and reign.
- Series: Over the years, the Royal Mail has issued numerous series of Queen stamps, each with its own theme and design. Some popular series include:
- The "Machin" series (1952-1989): Featuring the Queen's portrait by Arnold Machin.
- The "Pineapple" series (1989-1999): With a more modern design and a pineapple motif.
- The "Wilding" series (2002-2011): Featuring the Queen's portrait by Raphael Maklouf.
- The "Krause" series (2011-present): With a more contemporary design and a focus on the Queen's life and reign.
- Special issues: The Royal Mail has also issued special stamps to commemorate significant events and anniversaries in the Queen's life, such as her coronation, Silver Jubilee, Golden Jubilee, and Diamond Jubilee.
- Collectibility: Queen stamps are highly collectible, especially among philatelists and those interested in British history and royalty.
- Values: The values of Queen stamps vary depending on the series, condition, and rarity. Some rare and limited-edition stamps can be quite valuable, while others may be more affordable.
- Availability: You can purchase Queen stamps from the Royal Mail website, post offices, or online marketplaces like eBay.
Some popular Queen stamps include:
- The 1952 "Machin" stamp, featuring the Queen's portrait by Arnold Machin.
- The 1989 "Pineapple" stamp, with a unique design and a pineapple motif.
- The 2002 "Wilding" stamp, featuring the Queen's portrait by Raphael Maklouf.
- The 2011 "Krause" stamp, with a modern design and a focus on the Queen's life and reign.
If you're interested in collecting Queen stamps, I recommend starting with a specific series or theme and gradually building your collection over time. Happy collecting!