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.
First stamps
The first stamps of Van Diemen's Land were issued on 1 November 1853.[1]
The first stamps inscribed Tasmania were issued in January 1858.[2]
Until 1899, all postage stamps portrayed Queen Victoria. In that year a pictorial set depicting Tasmanian wilderness scenery was issued and was reprinted several times until 1912. The pictorial stamps portrayed wilderness scenes taken by prominent local photographers, such as John Watt Beattie and Steven Spurling. The 2d stamp was based upon a painting of Hobart by Haughton Forrest. Tasmanian stamps were used until 1913 when replaced by the first Commonwealth of Australia stamps.
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.
See also
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
- ^ Tasmania. Sandafayre Stamp Atlas. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
Further reading
- Tinsley, Walton Eugene. Stamps & postal history of Tasmania. London: Royal Philatelic Society London, 1986.
External links
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