Overview

The issue commemorates the first Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians. These were awarded in 1900 and 1901 during the Second Boer War (1899–1902). The Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy”. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service, and to civilians under military command.

The Victoria Cross was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, initially to reward acts of valour during the Crimean War. In 1991 a new but equivalent award was established by letters patent within the Commonwealth of Australia and its Territories, known as the Victoria Cross for Australia.

The Victoria Cross for Australia has been awarded four times: all for actions in the war in Afghanistan. The Imperial Victoria Cross has been awarded to ninety-six Australians—91 were received for actions while serving with Australian forces, and another five were received for actions while serving with South African and British forces during the Second Boer War of 1899–1902.

Designer

Simone Sakinofsky, Australia Post Design Studio

Products released in this issue

  • Minisheet
  • Cover (blank pictorial, gummed and minisheet)
  • Stamp pack
  • Maxicards
  • Medallion cover

Technical specifications

Issue date
22 January 2015
Issue withdrawal date
31 December 2015
Denominations
1 x 70c, 1 x $5.00
Stamp design
Simone Sakinofsky, Australia Post Design Studio
Product design
Simone Sakinofsky, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper - gummed
Tullis Russell
Printer
McKellar Renown
Printing process
Lithography
Stamp size
37.5mm x 42.42mm
Minisheet size
135mm x 80mm
Minisheet size
106mm x 70mm
Perforations
13.86 x 14.6
Sheet layout
Module of 24
FDI postmark
Melbourne, VIC 3000
FDI withdrawal date
20 February 2015

Stamps in this issue

70c Brown-olive Victoria Cross 1900 stamp

This stamp design is based on a stamp issued by the colony of Victoria in May 1900 to raise funds for the Patriotic Fund for the Boer War. The designs were based on a competition entry.

The 1d Brown-Olive sold for 1/- while the 2d Emerald sold for 2/-. Proceeds for the issue yielded £650 for the Boer War. The stamp is based on the original brown-olive stamp of the Victoria Cross. The other stamp, in purple, was designed but never issued.

$5 Purple Victoria Cross 1900 stamp

This stamp design is based on a stamp issued by the colony of Victoria in May 1900 to raise funds for the Patriotic Fund for the Boer War. The designs were based on a competition entry.

The 1d Brown-Olive sold for 1/- while the 2d Emerald sold for 2/-. Proceeds for the issue yielded £650 for the Boer War. This particular stamp, in purple, was designed but never issued.


This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.