COMMONWEALTH COAT-OF-ARMS

The Coat-of-Arms is one of the most colourful series of stamps I have in my collection, and the longest project I have undertaken. The collection consists of different papers, many types of shades, roller flaws, roller flaw retouches, specimens, and a posthumous proof all in MUH condition.
It isn’t a complete project as there are other varieties to collect, such as the extremely rare “SPEOIMEN” and the joined “IM” errors (dangerous forgeries do exist), roller flaw and roller flaw retouches of the regular stamps and other Specimens, and First Day Covers.

HISTORY

The Coat-of-Arms series comprised of 4 stamps high-value stamps issued in 1949 and 1950. These stamps replaced the Robes high-value definitives that had been current since 1938. The latter stamps featured King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in their Coronation robes and by the 1940s, these stamp designs were considered outdated.

Following the establishment of the Stamp Advisory Committee in 1947, a start was made in the development of the Coat-of-Arms stamp series. Initially it had been suggested that the six state coat-of-arms be featured. However, since four stamps designs were involved, it was more practicable to feature the Commonwealth Coat-of-Arms.

The three denominations required to replace the Robes series were 5/-, 10/- and £1. In addition, it was decided to issue a £2 stamp for heavy parcels and bulk postage payments. High-value definitive stamps were also used on telegrams and telephone account payments.

The basic stamp design features the Australian Coat-of-Arms flanked by the emu and kangaroo, with the words “Australia” in a panel at the base. This is enclosed by a circular frame showing the denomination in words and “Postage”. The denomination in figures appears in each corner. Although the four designs appear to be identical, different ornamental scrolls are included at the top and base of the 5/- and 10/- stamps and a third version of scrolls was used for the £1 and £2 stamps.

Frank Manley designed both the four stamps and engraved the dies.
When Manley was engraving the die of the £1 stamp, it was arranged that publicity photographs be taken of the engraver at work. These appeared in the press at the time and although the details of the stamp die are too small to be discerned, the enlarged artwork for the £1 stamp is identifiable.
The Coat-of-Arms stamps was printed in in a new size and colour, 5/- (Carmine), 10/- (Purple), £1 (Blue) and £2 (Green), to capture the details of the Coat-of-Arms. The 5/-, 10/- and £1 stamps were issued on November 28, 1949. The stamps remained current until they were replaced in 1964 by the Navigator series of the same value.

NOTE

It is of interest that the Commonwealth Coat-of-Arms featured on the stamps is that granted by Royal Warrant in September 1912. The Coat-of-Arms of each state is incorporated in the Commonwealth Coat-of-Arms’ shield. Although some amendments had been made subsequently to the state Coat-of-Arms, these amendments had not been incorporated by Royal Warrant in the Commonwealth Coat-of-Arms. These differences are not mistakes, as assumed by some observers at the time.

SPECIMEN

The 10/- and £1 specimen and £2 overprint replaced the 10/-, £1 and £2 Robes in collectors’ sets in about July 1953. There were six printings of all three made between July 1953 and August 1953. 7,380 stamps were issued of the 10/- and £1, and 7,260 stamps of the £2. Like the Robes specimens, some of these specimens were ruined by neglect and in some cases damaged by accident.
In this display, here are two types of Specimen positions, central and lower position. Unlike the very rare £2 Navigator with central overprint, both overprint positions are of the same value.

ROLLER FLAW RETOUCH

The retouch of the roller flaw was first noted early in 1953. The roller flaw was a master plate variety and occurred on both electros. Since the roller flaw and retouches can each be found on imprint sheets, it is apparent that the retouches were made on one electro only, probably prior to the second printing in December 1951.

POSITIONS ON SHEET

£1: R2/13
£2 roller flaw retouch
R5/49 and regular stamp R5/50
To understand the stamp positions, for the Coat-of-Arms, all three denominations were printed on sheets of 60, each sheet comprised of 12 columns and 5 rows. Each row has 12 stamps; altogether the sheet holds a total of 60 stamps.
R2/13 – second row, first stamp in that row (first column)
R5/49 – last (bottom) row, first stamp in that row (first column)
R5/50 – last row again, second stamp in that row (first column)