On 1 September 1999, Australia Post officially launched their first Personalised Stamps – a world first at the time. Then known as Personal Greetings stamps, six stamps were released based around six celebration themes (Happy Birthday, Happy Christmas, New Baby, Thinking of You, Congratulations and Greetings). A tab next to the stamp could be either personalised with a photo or kept ‘as is’ with a celebratory phrase in calligraphic font.
David Maiden was the Manager of Philatelic at the time, and he wanted something innovative to showcase at the Australia 99 World Stamp Expo, held between 19 - 24 March 1999.
While the idea was inspired by the popularity of ‘special occasion’ stamp releases, such as Thinking of You (1990–1994) and the Greetings series (1997–1999), it was a revolutionary innovation in its own right. Australia Post Sprintpak and Excel Digital jointly developed the concept and technology, which was trialled at the expo.
A stall was set up at Australia 99, without much fanfare, but word soon spread! People enthusiastically queued for their snapshot to be taken and placed into the tab of a 45 cent Polly Woodside stamp (originally issued as part of the Sailing Ships of Australia stamp issue in March 1999). Reports at the time say that people queued for one to two hours, just to get their own set! The then governor general Sir William Deane attended the official opening of Australia 99, and even he was presented with his own personalised stamp.
The main difference between the trial and the national release was that the trial involved on-the-spot snapshots being taken, manipulated and then printed onto pre-printed and perforated gummed stamps. At the Stamp Expo customers were handed their stamp sheetlets on the spot. The national release required customers to send in their photo, along with an application form, and they would then receive their stamp sheetlets in the mail, together with the return of their original photo. Today, placing an order is totally streamlined, involving a quick and easy online process.
Personalised Stamps continue to resonate with customers, providing a stylish and convenient way to personalise letters, cards and invitations. The specific stamps available as part of the range change over time, depending on what current releases are suitable for the service, but there is always a variety of stamps to suit any occasion.
The latest range of Personalised Stamps
From 10 January 2017, Year of the Rooster 2017 $1 stamp will form part of the Personalised Stamps range, which will add a special touch to your New Year greetings.
A new Special Occasions stamp issue, titled “Love” will be released on 7 February 2017, in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, and included in the Personalised Stamps range. Here’s a sneak preview of the two stunning and versatile designs:
The current selection of Personalised Stamps also includes the $1 stamp from the 50 Years of Play School stamp issue (perfect for children’s parties). There are some lovely wedding-themed stamps, including the silver rings $2 rate (for over-sized invitations).
The Australian Animals: Monotremes international rate stamps allow you to personalise your international cards and letters, with some colourful illustrative designs of iconic Aussie animals.
How to order your Personalised Stamps
Personalised Stamps are available for order online. Simply fill in an online form and upload your photo, whether of you, your family, your kids or even your family dog! Once your application is approved, you will receive sheets of stamps with your photo in the stamp tab. Both the stamp and tab are then applied to your envelope.
For corporate or community events, the Map of Australia, Flowering Gum and Wattle stamp designs can be used in Australia Post souvenir stamp sheets, which make a nice ‘thank you’ or memento for guests.
Order your Personalised Stamps now. Terms and conditions apply to the use of the Personalised Stamps service.
The Year of the Rooster 2017 Personalised Stamp will be available for order from 10 January 2017.
The Special Occasions: Love Personalised Stamps will be available for order from 7 February 2017.
*This article was produced at the time of publication and will not be updated.
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