Transition From Pre-Decimal To Decimal Stamps

The 1949-1951 Australian Coat-of-Arms series would have to be one of the finest designs from the King George VI era, and by far the most difficult to obtain in a complete set, The three very thin papers, being the 5/-, £1 and £2 values, being only 0.085mm thick. The £1 and £2 very thin papers are very rare and are very seldom seen on the market, more-so if the stamps are well centred.


The 5/- (issued on April 11, 1949) replaced the 5/- Coronation Robes, first issued in 1938 and discontinued in 1949; and the 5/- Coat-of-Arms was replaced with the 5/- Cattle Industry on July 26, 1961, it in turn was replaced by the 5/- Navigator (William Dampier) on February 26, 1964, which was replaced by the 50 cent Navigator (William Dampier) on February 14, 1966.


The 10/- replaced the 10/- Coronation Robes, first issued in 1938 and discontinued in 1949; and the 10/- Coat-of-Arms was replaced with the 10/- Navigator (Matthew Flinders) on February 26, 1964, which was replaced by the $1.00 Navigator (Matthew Flinders) on February 14, 1966.


The £1 replaced the £1 Coronation Robes, first issued in 1938 and discontinued in 1949; and the £1 Coat-of-Arms was replaced with the £1 Navigator (George Bass) on February 26, 1964, which was replaced by the $2.00 Navigator (George Bass) on February 14, 1966.


The £2, a new high value denomination was introduced on January 16, 1950. This new issue was used for higher telegram, parcel; airmail and bulk postage charges. The £2 Coat-of-Arms was replaced with the £2 Navigator (Phillip Parker King) on August 26, 1964, which was replaced by the $4.00 Navigator (Phillip Parker King) on February 14, 1966.

The designer and engraver of the 5/- Coat-of-Arms was Frank Manley of the Note Printing Branch in Melbourne, Australia. And were rotary-recess printed at the same branch. The four Coat-of-Arms values, including the very thin papers were printed on watermarked multiple crown and C of A paper; and were perforated 14.31 x 13.76 (14½ x 14).

The 5/- did not have a specimen issue, though a very thin printing on paper with a thickness of 0.085mm was issued in 1951. The 10/- was also issued as a specimen, there was no very thin paper printing made for this issue. The £1 and £2 were also issued as a specimen and both were also issued on very thin paper of 0.085mm; the £1 being the most difficult to obtain in mint unhinged condition.