Dimensions: approx. 81/2 x 4 1/2 inches
Date of issue: 21 June 1988
Photographer/Publisher/Other marks:Â
The stamps were designed by Gary Emery of Melbourne through the Australian Post Office.
Printed in offset lithography by The House of Questa Limited
Format: square Size: 34.7mm x 34.7mm
Perforations: 141/2 x 141/2 Number per sheet: 100
Paper: unwatermarked, phosphor-coated Gum: PVA Dextrin
The cover was designed by The Partners
Text by Thomas Keneally
Condition: In good condition. Please check our images.
Text: please see images
Addressee: Mr. D G Ely, 26 Belmont Close, Barming, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9DY
Internal notes: QC passed
The 1988 Australian Bicentenary Royal Mail First Day Cover is more than just a collector’s item—it is a living piece of history, a tangible link to a moment in time that marked 200 years of European settlement in Australia. As you run your fingers over its well-preserved surface, you can almost sense the bustling post offices of 1988, where collectors eagerly queued to secure this special issue. The stamps, designed by Gary Emery of Melbourne, stand as a tribute to Britain’s influence on Australia, featuring the Union Jack, the Southern Cross, and historical figures who shaped the cultural fabric of both nations. The House of Questa’s meticulous offset lithography ensures each image remains as crisp as the day it was printed, while the 14½ x 14½ perforations whisper of an era when stamp production was a true craft.
Holding this First Day Cover is like stepping into the past, where you can hear the soft rustle of envelopes, the clack of a postmark stamping ‘21 JUN 1988 – MEDWAY & MAIDSTONE’, and the quiet excitement of a collector placing it carefully into an album. The rich blue backdrops and silver silhouettes of Queen Elizabeth II and Shakespeare contrast beautifully with the sepia tones of early settlers and maritime history, reminding us of the deep-rooted ties between Britain and Australia. Every detail, down to the PVA dextrin gum on the unwatermarked, phosphor-coated paper, tells a story of traditional craftsmanship, a far cry from today’s mass production.
And then there is the envelope itself—a stunningly illustrated map of Australia, adorned with a majestic ship, native kangaroos, and exotic birds, evoking the sense of discovery and adventure that once defined this land. This is not merely a collector’s piece—it is a bridge between past and present, a celebration of heritage, and a work of postal artistry that deserves a place in any serious collection. Whether you are a philatelist, a history enthusiast, or someone with a deep appreciation for nostalgia, this First Day Cover is a rare opportunity to own a piece of 1988, a year when the world took a moment to reflect on the complex and enduring relationship between Britain and Australia.
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