The Fiji Philatelic Bureau is the official postal service of Fiji that is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps. This service is known as philately, which is the study and collection of stamps and other postal materials. The Fiji Philatelic Bureau offers a wide range of services to stamp collectors and enthusiasts, including the sale of stamps, first day covers, and other philatelic products. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Fiji Philatelic Bureau, its most important and well-known stamps, and its unique designs.
History of the Fiji Philatelic Bureau:
The Fiji Philatelic Bureau was established in 1910, making it one of the oldest philatelic bureaus in the world. It was initially known as the Fiji Post Office Philatelic Bureau and was responsible for the production and sale of stamps for the British colony of Fiji. In 1970, Fiji gained independence from British rule, and the bureau was renamed the Fiji Philatelic Bureau. Since then, it has been responsible for the production and distribution of stamps for the independent nation of Fiji.
Fiji’s Most Important and Well-Known Stamps:
One of the most famous stamps produced by the Fiji Philatelic Bureau is the 1938 King George VI Coronation stamp. This stamp was issued to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and features a portrait of the king in his coronation robes. It is considered a rare and valuable stamp among collectors.
Another notable stamp is the 1954 Queen Elizabeth II Definitive stamp. This stamp was issued to mark the first visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Fiji and features a portrait of the queen wearing a traditional Fijian headdress. It is also highly sought after by collectors.
In recent years, the Fiji Philatelic Bureau has released stamps featuring the country’s unique flora and fauna, such as the 2018 Fiji Parrotfinch stamp and the 2020 Fiji Crested Iguana stamp. These stamps not only showcase the beauty of Fiji’s natural environment but also promote conservation efforts for these endangered species.
Unique Designs from Fiji Philatelic Bureau:
The Fiji Philatelic Bureau is known for its unique and eye-catching stamp designs. One of the most notable is the 2013 Fiji Rugby Sevens stamp, which features a holographic image of a rugby player scoring a try. This stamp was released to commemorate Fiji’s victory in the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup.
Another unique design is the 2016 Fiji Olympic Gold Medal stamp, which features a gold foil overlay on the image of Fiji’s first Olympic gold medalist, Fijian rugby player, Osea Kolinisau. This stamp was released to celebrate Fiji’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
In addition to stamps, the Fiji Philatelic Bureau also offers first day covers, which are envelopes with a stamp, postmark, and artwork related to the stamp’s theme. These first day covers are highly collectible and are often sought after by stamp enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Fiji Philatelic Bureau is a vital service for stamp collectors and enthusiasts, offering a wide range of stamps and philatelic products. With its rich history, unique designs, and notable stamps, the Fiji Philatelic Bureau continues to be a significant contributor to the world of philately.
To learn more about the Fiji Philatelic Bureau and its products, visit their website at https://www.fijipost.com.fj/.