FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]

The different perforations used for self-adhesive (peel-and-stick) and gummed stamps will allow you to identify the style of stamp. Perforations are used to allow stamps to be easily detached from each other.
Gummed stamps are perforated by cutting rows and columns of small holes. These are of identical size on all four edges of each stamp.
Self-adhesive stamps are cut to shape by using a metal die. Dies can be produced to cut stamps in virtually any shape, i.e., self-adhesive stamps currently have a flat section at their top and bottom.

Self-adhesive stamps have two layers of adhesive. One is the tack that bonds the stamps to the envelope; the other is a water-soluble adhesive that lies between the self adhesive tack and the stamp paper. The water-soluble layer is there so that collectors can obtain good used copies.
Self-adhesive tack is practically impervious to water on one side of the stamp and the varnish creates a waterproof seal on the other. When soaking by conventional methods water cannot reach the water-soluble layer effectively.
Although several substances have been touted as means of overcoming the problem, we do not favour the use of anything other than clean water. To give the water a chance to activate the soluble layer, it needs to be almost at boiling point and the stamps need to be immersed for up to half an hour. The stamps should then be gently eased off the paper and, when dry, any remaining tack removed carefully with an art gum eraser.

CTO stands for "cancelled to order" or in other words, postmarked. It indicates that the stamp has been postmarked without being used for postage.

FDI stands for "first day of issue" of a stamp. As the name implies, a first day of issue postmark can only be applied to stamps being released on the day of issue.

A "mint" stamp is one that is in pristine condition, exactly as issued by Australia Post. The stamps gum or adhesive is intact, it has not been through the postal service and has not been postmarked.

Postcards, feature a printed image of a stamp related to a particular issue on the view side of the card. A maximum card has an actual stamp affixed on the view side of the card where it has been cancelled by a specially designed pictorial postmark.

In 1981 Australia Post introduced the Annual Collection of Australian Stamps offering collectors the opportunity to buy a full year of Australian stamps in one product, together with background information about the stamp issues. The Annual Collection of Australian Stamps has been produced every year since 1981.

Self-adhesive stamps were introduced in 1990 and Australia was a global pioneer in this venture. Self-adhesive stamps have overtaken gummed stamps in popularity and are almost exclusively used for basic letter postage. This type of stamp is more hygienic and pleasant than gummed stamps, as there is no need to lick them.

Our mail order service can supply you with the current edition of Stamp Bulletin Australia. An archive of previous editions of the Stamp Bulletin Australia is available online.

Australia Post uses many different companies to print its stock. With stamps it is due to the different printing techniques required for the various types of stamps e.g, self-adhesive which use lithography. Some printers specialise only in this type of stamp.

Australia Post deems that first day of issue (FDI) is only available for a period of four weeks from the date the issue is release. This creates a product that becomes a collectable item due to the limited time it is available for purchase.

Different barcodes were introduced to differentiate between stock required for general postage use and stock required for philatelic collectors.

Information is available on our website "How Stamps are Made"

Many collectors like to choose a subject or theme, then collect stamps which depict only that theme. Sport, birds, animals, ships, cars, famous people – they’re just a few suggestions. This is called thematic collecting. By starting with used stamps from mail, a small stamp album and a packet of stamp hinges, you can build-up a great collection on a limited budget. "Collecting Australian Stamps: a beginners guide" is available from participating Australia Post outlets.

Australia Post's mail processing centres cannot distinguish between philatelic mail and regular mail being distributed through the mail network. As a result all articles passing through the network are subjected to the same treatment. Biro marks are used when a postmark cancellation has not been applied effectively.

An imperforate stamp has all the characteristics of a postage stamp except for the perforations, or holes separating the stamps. Stamps can be either semi-imperforate (with some perforations missing), or fully imperforate (with no perforations at all).

Imperforate or semi-imperforate stamps are designed as a collectable. They are a way of offering something unusual to the collector market.

Yes, so long as they are posted in their original format. If they are included in a minisheet they are valid for postage, so long as the minisheet is intact. The perforations are one of several security features included in a stamp. Imperforate stamps cannot be cut out and placed on mail for postage, as it makes it difficult to detect postal fraud.

Stamp dealers operate businesses selling or buying stamps from the public. Contact details for stamp dealers in your area can be found at the Australian Philatelic Traders Association (APTA) or through the Yellow Pages. You should also look for details of stamp fairs or exhibitions in your area by visiting the Australian Philatelic Federations (APF).

Most stamp dealers are happy to provide a brief evaluation of a stamp collection without charging a fee

A collector pack consists of a number of self-adhesive stamps cut from a roll of 100 or 200 and includes the various message tabs that appear on the rolls.

Maximum cards are souvenir picture postcards that are released with every new Australian stamp issue. The stamp is affixed on the view side of the card where it can be seen along with the card illustration and specially designed pictorial postmark. In addition maximum cards have a postage paid imprint, on the “message and address” side of the card, enabling them to be posted within Australia and by air mail anywhere in the world. Also see What is the difference between maximum cards and postcards?

A stamp pack is a presentation pack containing a set of mint stamps. This is produced to accompany all issues of two or more stamps. The pack can also contain, when issued, a miniature sheet. The stamp pack allows the stamps to be kept in the original packaging. Their see-through mounts and background information appeals to many customers.

The Seal of Authenticity is a sticker with Australia Post branding attached to the back of some products and contains DNA Authenticity and certification number of the product. The Seal of Authenticity first appeared on the CI Lunar New Year 2008 - Year of the Rat PNC (Postal and Numismatic Cover) and was introduced to ensure that collectors know they are buying an official Australia Post product.

Please note that the $2.00 amount that appears on your on-line statement is not a debit, but a pre-authorisation to verify that your credit card details are valid. This pre-authorisation should only be visible for a period of 24 hours. If you have any further concerns you will need to contact your credit card facility.

Your membership number is located above your name and address details on your Stamp Bulletin Australia order form. You can obtain it by calling the Australian Philatelic Bureau on 1800 331 794.

Customer orders generally cover all issues advertised in the quarterly Stamp Bulletin Australia. In order to provide our customers with an efficient service, the Philatelic Bureau will forward products as they become available. The initial invoice you receive will include the postage and handling charges: further invoices will only show items included in your delivery or on back order.

The period of time taken to deliver your order depends on the volume of orders currently waiting to be processed and the release date of new issues. We endeavour to fulfil customers orders promptly however, we ask that you allow up to 28 days for delivery of your order.

The Philatelic Bureau is governed by the Privacy Law introduced in December 2001. The Privacy Law stipulates that no information pertaining to membership can be disclosed to a person whose name does not appear on the account. Authorisation from the account holder is now legally required prior to anyone else accessing that account.