Another long awaited stamp issue was previewed to the media today at the Philatelic Bureau Headquarters in GPO Kuala Lumpur. It is the 150th Years of Straits Settlements Stamps issue. As 01 September 2017 is a public holiday, the issue will be on sale on 04 September 2017.
There was not such a big crowd today even though this is a key issue in philately.
Here are the products:
- Stamps (in sheetlets of 10 pieces per sheetlet) with the following denominations:
- 60 sen: 200,000 pieces
- 80 sen: 200,000 pieces
- 90 sen: 140,000 pieces
- Empty envelopes at 50 sen each: 32,000 pieces
- Empty folders at RM 6.00 each: 1,800 pieces
Prices are before GST.
This is the first in the 150 Years of Straits Settlements Stamps series issued by Pos Malaysia. This issue commemorates the India Overprint stamps, thus the use of the word “Provisional”.
In December this year, the second series of the 150 Years of Straits Settlements Stamps will be issued featuring the regular Straits Settlements issue with the permanent use of the words “Straits Settlements” on the stamps, thus the use of the word “Permanent”. This “permanent” issue was released in December 1867.
For a quick history of the Straits Settlements Postal History, check out: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postage_stamps_and_postal_history_of_the_Straits_Settlements
More information will be coming forth later this year on the second Straits Settlement issue.
Meanwhile, across the straits, Singapore will also issue a set of commemorative stamps for this occasion. This is strictly not a joint stamp issue, however it is an interesting joint event issue as the Straits Settlements comprised on Penang, Malacca (or Melaka today) and Singapore. Singapore Post is selling a joint event stamp pack at SGD 12.80.
Orders can be placed online at: https://shop.singpost.com/150th-anniversary-first-postage-svnsht-csposcpk.html
Pos Malaysia is planning to provide a special order form for Standing Order Deposit Account (SODA) members to buy the Singapore Post First Day Cover for this issue at a later date. Look out for the order form in your mail.
Meanwhile, the Penang Philatelic Society plans to print their own envelopes for sale on probably 04 September 2017.
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