Postage stamps and postal history of Tasmania facts for kids
This article explores the exciting world of postage stamps and postal history in Tasmania. Tasmania was once known as Van Diemen's Land and was a British colony. Today, it is a part of Australia.
Contents
Tasmania's First Stamps
The very first stamps from Van Diemen's Land were released on 1 November 1853. These stamps were used to send letters and packages.
Later, in January 1858, the first stamps that actually said "Tasmania" on them were issued. Before 1896, all the stamps featured a picture of Queen Victoria, who was the ruler at the time.
Pictorial Stamps and Russell Falls
In 1899, a new and more colorful set of stamps was released. These were called "pictorial" stamps because they showed pictures of Tasmanian scenes. One famous stamp from this set featured a beautiful waterfall called Russell Falls. This image was based on a painting by an artist named Haughton Forrest. These pictorial stamps were very popular and were printed many times until 1912. Tasmania's last stamps were issued in 1913.
What are Postal Fiscals?
Between 1882 and 1900, something interesting happened with stamps. Some stamps that were originally made for collecting taxes or fees (called "revenue stamps") could also be used to send mail. These special stamps were known as postal fiscals. They were officially allowed for postage during that time. Even after 1900, people sometimes still used them for mail unofficially until 1903.
Images for kids
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1855 2 pence green stamp from Tasmania.
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This 1899 pictorial 4 pence stamp shows Russell Falls, based on a painting by Haughton Forrest.
