(This page is updated by the assistance of Bounty Saga specialist Ron Edwards of Norfolk Island.)
The stamps of Norfolk Island have long enjoyed a favored place in the world of philately – some of the island’s stamps are among the most attractive in the philatelic world.
A change came to the publishing of Norfolk Island stamps on June 30, 2016, when the Norfolk Island Philatelic Bureau ceased operations, and Australian Post took over the issuing of all stamps of Norfolk Island. The first ‘Norfolk Island-Australia” stamp, “Sea Birds,” was issued on September 20, 2016. All Norfolk Island stamps are now printed by Australian Post, each new issue being printed in Australia and the stamps shipped to Norfolk Island for sale. Norfolk Island stamps may now be used for postage with any mix of Australian stamps.
Norfolk Island is home to two native species of land reptile, both of which are also evident on Lord Howe Island. Neither species inhabits Norfolk’s main island, probably due to the presence of the Polynesian, and Black rat. Both reptiles are found on Norfolk’s Phillip Island.
First described on Lord Howe Island in 1873, and initially found in the Norfolk group in 1978, the Lord Howe Skin lizard grows to around eight centimeters (slightly over three inches), and is a rich, metallic bronze-to-olive color, with small brown flecks along its body.
First described on Lord Howe Island in 1885, the Lord Howe Gecko is heavily built and grows to around eight centimeters. This smooth-scaled gecko is peppered with darker spots and a series of W-shaped markings that fade toward its flanks.
Norfolk stamps of recent date are listed here with their date of release. More images of these stamps can be seen below. Additional release dates and a history of Norfolk philately may be seen by clicking here.
225th Anni: Sinking of Sirius, March 19
100th Anni: Gallipoli Campaign, March 14
Norfolk Island Pine Trees, June 14
["Stamps of the Australian Territories: Norfolk Island" (By F. Collas, Assistant Controller, Postmaster-General’s Department, Melbourne)]
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