Australia 2003 50th Anniversary of Queens Coronation
- Issue Date: 2 June 2003
- Designed by: Cathleen Cram
- Printed by: SNP Sprint
- Print Process: Lithography
- Dimensions: 26mm x 37.5mm
Contents
Description
This issue celebrates the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. The stamps feature a Cecil Beaton photograph of the Queen taken during the coronation year and the crown used in the coronation ceremony – the St Edward’s Crown. Another stunning Cecil Beaton portrait of the newly crowned monarch is featured on the miniature sheet.
Stamps
Sheet Stamps
- Perforations: 14.5 x 14.0
- Format: sheets of 50 (two panes of 25)
50c Stamp
This formal portrait of the Queen was taken in Buckingham Palace during 1953.
$2.45 Stamp
The crown used in the coronation dates from 1660 when it was commissioned for the coronation of King Charles II. The depressed central arches indicated it is the crown of a kingdom. The gold framework is set with about 440 precious and semi-precious stones. The image is from the Royal Collection Picture Library at Windsor Castle.
This magnificent crown is worn only once in a sovereign's lifetime, during the coronation. At the end of the coronation service, when the sovereign retires into St Edward’s Chapel, this crown is replaced by the Imperial State Crown.
Self-adhesive Stamp
- Perforations: serpentine die cut 11½ x 11¼
- Format: booklet panes of 10
Booklet
Chequebook
The chequebook has 20 self-adhesive booklet panes of 10 x 50c.
Miniature Sheet
The miniature sheet features one of the iconic images of the coronation – that of the newly crowned monarch in all her robes and holding the Orb and Sceptre with Cross. The photograph is from the Picture Library of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
In the miniature sheet image, the Queen wears the Imperial State Crown, one of the most beautiful and priceless crowns ever made. It is adorned with 2,700 diamonds and other precious stones, most conspicuous of which are the great ruby of the Black Prince, the sapphire of Edward the Confessor and the four long pearl drops known as Queen Elizabeth’s earrings. At the front of the crown is the second ‘star of Africa’, cut from the famous Cullinan diamond. The Imperial State Crown is worn by the sovereign on all state occasions. The robe of purple velvet the Queen wears denotes a crowned and consecrated monarch.
First Day Cover
The first day of issue postmark was Elizabeth SA 5112. An official first day cover for the self-adhesive stamp was not produced.
Maximum Cards
