Check out the sections below to discover some interesting facts about stamps. Then, click the picture or each of the headings to find out more!

A Brief History

We haven’t always used stamps to pay for postage; in fact stamps as we know them are a fairly modern invention. The first stamp, called the Penny Black, was issued in Great Britain in 1840. In 1838, James Raymond, NSW Postmaster General introduced a system of pre-payment for letters using writing paper impressed with a 'stamp'.

Australia was a pioneer in the development of the stamp. Before that, people sent their messages in lots of different ways and paid for the services differently too. 

Making Stamps

Most countries design their stamps to be as beautiful and colourful as possible - tiny works of art!

In Australia, a special committee - called the Stamp Advisory Committee - carefully chooses a subject and a designer for each new stamp release. Stamp designs need to be very clear and interesting because they’re printed so small.

Want to know more?

The Stamps section of the Australia Post website has more interesting  information about stamps.

Visit our Stamps  site to explore and learn more.