por 
The Keeling Islands, also known as the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, is a small group of islands located in the Indian Ocean, about 2,900 kilometers northwest of Perth, Australia. These islands are known for their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. However, what many people may not know is that the Keeling Islands also have a unique and fascinating philatelic history. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Keeling Islands’ philatelic service, its history, and some of its most important and well-known stamps and designs.
Overview of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Philatelic Service
The Keeling Islands’ philatelic service is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps, as well as other philatelic products, such as first day covers, postcards, and stamp albums. The service is operated by the Keeling Islands Post Office, which is a division of the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities of the Australian Government.
The Keeling Islands’ philatelic service offers a wide range of stamps, with themes ranging from the islands’ flora and fauna to its history and culture. The service also produces stamps in collaboration with other postal administrations, such as Australia Post and New Zealand Post, to commemorate special events and anniversaries.
History of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Philatelic Service
The Keeling Islands’ philatelic service has a long and interesting history. The first stamps of the islands were issued in 1902, during the British colonial period. These stamps featured the portrait of Queen Victoria and were used for postage within the islands.
In 1955, the Keeling Islands became part of the Australian Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. As a result, the stamps of Australia were used for postage within the islands. However, in 1963, the Keeling Islands began issuing their own stamps again, featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Since then, the Keeling Islands’ philatelic service has continued to produce stamps that reflect the islands’ unique culture and history. In 1984, the service introduced the first self-adhesive stamps in the world, which were a huge success and are still used today.
Notable Stamps and Designs from Cocos (Keeling) Islands Philatelic Service
The Keeling Islands’ philatelic service has produced many notable stamps over the years. One of the most famous is the 1963 stamp featuring the islands’ iconic coconut palm trees. This stamp is highly sought after by collectors and is considered a must-have for any Keeling Islands stamp collection.
Another notable stamp is the 1984 self-adhesive stamp featuring the islands’ national bird, the Cocos Buff-banded Rail. This stamp was the first self-adhesive stamp in the world and is a testament to the Keeling Islands’ innovation and creativity in the field of philately.
In recent years, the Keeling Islands’ philatelic service has also released stamps featuring the islands’ unique marine life, such as the Green Sea Turtle and the Giant Clam. These stamps not only showcase the islands’ natural beauty but also raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protection of these species.
In conclusion, the Keeling Islands’ philatelic service is an important part of the islands’ cultural heritage and plays a significant role in promoting the islands to the rest of the world. With its rich history and unique designs, the stamps of the Keeling Islands are highly sought after by collectors and are a valuable addition to any stamp collection.
To learn more about the Keeling Islands’ philatelic service and to view their latest stamp releases, visit their official website at https://auspost.com.au/cocos.
