List of Machin stamps facts for kids
The Machin series is a famous collection of postage stamps from the United Kingdom. These stamps feature a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. They have been used for a very long time, making them one of the most common stamp designs in the world!
It's important to know that the colors mentioned for these stamps can be tricky. Different stamp catalogs and websites might call the same color by different names. So, the colors here are just a general idea.
Contents
Early Machin Stamps (Before 1971)
The very first Machin stamps came out in 1967. They were used until 1971, when the UK changed its money system to decimal currency (like we have today). These early Machins came in two sizes. The stamps with higher values were larger than the others.
For example, the £1 blue/black stamp issued in 1969 was one of the highest values. It was still valid for a very long time, making it one of the oldest Machin stamps in use!
Machin Stamps in Decimal Currency
After 1971, when Britain switched to decimal currency, Machin stamps continued to be made. They were produced throughout Queen Elizabeth II's reign. During the 1970s and 1980s, Royal Mail also released some Machin stamps in a larger size.
Here are some cool features and changes that happened to Machin stamps over the years:
Special Features of Decimal Machins
- Elliptical Perforation: Imagine tiny holes along the edge of a stamp that help you tear it off. In 1993, Royal Mail added a new security feature: two larger, oval-shaped holes, one on each side of the stamp. These are called elliptical perforations. Some stamps had both the regular small holes and these new oval ones, but stamps made after 1993 only had the elliptical ones.
- EME Images: In 1997, the Queen's portrait on the stamps got an upgrade! A new way of making the image, called EME (electro-mechanically engraved), was used. This method uses computers to create the image, which means the details in the Queen's portrait look much clearer and sharper.
- Regional Issues: Some Machin stamps were made especially for different parts of the UK. These stamps have a special symbol in the top left corner to show where they are from.
- For the Isle of Man, you'll see the Triskelion symbol, which looks like three legs joined together.
- For Northern Ireland, the symbol is the Red Hand of Ulster.
- For Scotland, it's the Lion of Scotland.
- For Wales, it's the famous Welsh Dragon.
Stamps Without a Specific Value (NVI Issues)
NVI stands for "Non-Value Indicator." These Machin stamps first appeared in 1989. The idea was to make it easier for Royal Mail, so they wouldn't have to print new stamps every time the cost of sending a letter changed.
Instead of a number, these stamps simply say "1st" or "2nd" for the two main classes of post in the UK. There was also an "E" NVI stamp, which meant it covered the standard letter cost for sending mail to Europe.
Self-Adhesive Stamps
Since around 2009, most Machin stamps have been made as self-adhesive stamps. This means you just peel them off and stick them, no licking needed! The main times you might still find Machins that aren't self-adhesive are in special stamp booklets or souvenir sheets.
Barcoded Machin Stamps (2021-Present)
In 2021 and 2022, a big change happened to Machin stamps: they started adding Data Matrix barcodes! These barcodes are a new security feature and help with sorting mail.
- The NVI (Non-Value Indicator) stamps got barcodes first, on February 1, 2022.
- Other stamps with specific values followed on April 4, 2022.
- All barcoded stamps are self-adhesive.
Older Machin stamps (issued before January 31, 2022) were valid until January 31, 2023. But don't worry if you have some! Since March 31, 2022, you can exchange them for the new barcoded stamps forever.
The 2022 barcoded stamps were the last new Machin stamps released before Queen Elizabeth II passed away. On February 8, 2023, Royal Mail showed the design for the next set of stamps. These new stamps, which came out on April 4, 2023, feature a portrait of Charles III, our new King.
