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Definitive Stamp Histories

From this page you can view and download detailed histories of definitive stamps for the reigns of George VI and Elizabeth II.

A definitive stamp is a stamp that consists solely of the monarchs’ head. These are the standard red and blue first and second class stamps you use today.

George VI

1936-1952

‘Festival’ High Values

1951

Open stamp history (PDF)
High Values

1939-48

Open stamp history (PDF)
Low Values

1936-39

Open stamp history (PDF)
“War Emergency” Stamps

1936-37

Open stamp history (PDF)
Tax and Victory Essays

Click for more information

Elizabeth II

1952-Present

Castles

1955

Open stamp history (PDF)
Low Value Wildings

1952-1964

Open stamp history (PDF)

Regional Definitive Stamps

Read an introduction to the first regional stamps issued in 1958. (PDF)

Wales

1958-1659

Open stamp history (PDF)
Scotland

1958

Open stamp history (PDF)
Northern Ireland

1958-69

Open stamp history (PDF)
Guernsey

1958-64

Open stamp history (PDF)
Isle of Man

1958-64

Open stamp history (PDF)
Jersey

1958-64

Open stamp history (PDF)

Access

The best way to see all our philatelic and postal history collections is by appointment with the archives team. Contact them via email at: [email protected].