Christmas 2024

Overview

This year’s two religious stamps feature artworks from one of the treasures of the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. The work known as the Aspremont–Kievraing Hours is a hand-written book, or manuscript, made in north-eastern France around 1300, more than 700 years ago. The manuscript is a religious prayer book, and the numerous illustrations or miniatures are painted with precious pigments and adorned with gold leaf. Several tell the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Those who prefer non-religious stamps can celebrate a traditional Aussie Christmas with a choice of three stamps. This year, Santa has enlisted some familiar native Australian animals to assist with celebrating Christmas. A carolling Kookaburra announces the glad tidings, a big Red Kangaroo hauls a weighty Christmas sack, and an impatient Koala has already unwrapped his gift.

Technical specifications

Issue date: 1 November 2024
Issue withdrawal date: 31 December 2025
Denomination: 1 x 65c, 1 x $3 (Rel), 2 x 65c (se-tenant), 1 x $3 (Sec)
Illustration: Anita Xhafer (Secular)
Paper: self-adhesive: Sheetlet – Raflatac Cast gloss SP34 KS90, Sheetlet of 5 – Tullis Russell Red Phos PSA (P55) 100gsm Release, S/A – Booklets (Rel): Tullis Russell Red Phos PSA (P55) 100gsm Release S/A, (Sec): S/A Securpost MC 90 P11P Non Phos (Phos Tagged)
Printer: gummed: RA (Rel), EGO (Sec)
Printer: self-adhesive: S/A Sheetlet of 10 – Rapid Labels
Printing process: Offset lithography
Stamp size (mm): 26mm x 37.5mm (Sec), 37.5mm x 26mm (Rel)
Minisheet size (mm): 135mm x 80mm
Perforations: 14.6 x 13.86 (Sec), 13.86 x 14.6 (Rel)
Sheet layout: Module of 50 (2 x 25), S/A Sheetlet of 10 x 2 kinds
FDI postmark: Merrylands NSW 2160
FDI withdrawal date: 30 November 2024

Stamps in this issue

65c Annunciation to the Virgin

The Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary to foretell that she will bear Jesus, the Son of God.

$3 Annunciation to the Sheperds

An angel announces the news of Christ’s birth to shepherds tending their flocks. The shepherds then journeyed to Bethlehem to witness the miraculous Child.