Australia 2001 Centenary of Federation
- Issue Date: 1 January 2001
- Designed by: Asprey DiDonato Design
- Printed by: SNP Ausprint
- Print Process: Lithography
- Withdrawal date: 31 January 2002
Contents
Description
This issue continues the series begun with the Towards Federation stamp issue. These stamps focus on events surrounding the inauguration of the new Commonwealth of Australia. The historical images used convey a sense of the occasion and include photographs of the events, invitations to events and official documents.
The designer has taken an historical approach, focusing on the events of 1 January 1901. The design has a celebratory feel, capturing the enthusiasm and sense of hope that pervaded events; the notion that Australia was beginning a great new adventure.
Stamps
Sheet Stamps
- Format: sheets of 50 (two panes of 25 separated by gutter)
49c Federation Arch Stamp
- Stamp Size: 26 mm x 37.5 mm
- Perforations: 14½ x 14
This stamp shows the inauguration parade passing through the Wheat Arch and down Bridge Street in Sydney. The foreground image is a detail from an official programme cover.
49c Edmund Barton Stamp
- Stamp Size: 26 mm x 37.5 mm
- Perforations: 14½ x 14
This stamp shows the first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, taking the oath in the pavilion of Centennial Park. The background shows the pavilion and crowds.
Se-tenant Pair
$2 National Celebrations Stamp
- Stamp Size: 50 mm x 30 mm
- Perforations: 14 x 14½
This stamp shows detail from official programme covers. The words ‘Australia Forever’ are from a song written at the time. The photograph is of a picnic group at Bunter Creek above Whipstick Station, White Cliffs on 1 January 1901.
$2 State Banquet Stamp
- Stamp Size: 30 mm x 50 mm
- Perforations: 14 x 14½
This stamp shows the cover of the invitation to a State Banquet held in Sydney Town Hall. The background features a photograph of the banquet itself.
Self-adhesive Stamps
- Perforations: serpentine die cut 11½ x 11
- Format: booklets of 10
Single Stamps
Booklet
Miniature Sheet
- Perforations: 14½
- Miniature Sheet Size: 73 mm x 166 mm
The background of the miniature sheet features the inauguration parade passing through the Wheat Arch and down Bridge Street and a line drawing of Federation Pavilion, Centennial Park.
First Day Covers
The first day of issue postmark was Sydney NSW 2000. A version in red ink was available for collectors' first day covers from the general post offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. An official first day cover for the self-adhesive varieties was not produced.
Maximum Cards
