2016-11-28 Mon

Australia is the smallest and the oldest continent which was inhabited by indigenous people speaking more than 250 different languages, and by a variety of animals found nowhere else, before the European settlement. Dutch and British explorers visited Australia in the 17th century after which it was colonised by the British in 1788. The six separate colonies were founded and Tasmania formed a federation as the Commonwealth of Australia on 1st January 1901. All colonies issued and used their own stamps as states of the federation till 1913.

Postal-fiscal stamps were used as revenue stamps but were later used as postage stamps. The 1882 Western Australian Black Swan postal fiscal stamps are the most affordable ones. They are selling at 2017 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 values in unused original gum condition. The 1-penny Black Swan postal fiscal stamp on paper watermarked crown and “W A” (AR8), with a Scott catalogue has a value of $22.50.