Stamp collecting, known as philately, emerged almost immediately following the release of the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, in Great Britain in May 1840. The hobby rapidly gained global traction because stamps serve as educational, miniature works of art, offering a historical record of nations, figures, and events. By the 1860s, a collecting boom was underway, supported by the rise of dealers, albums, and specialized literature. Philately reached peak mainstream prestige in the 20th century, notably due to high-profile enthusiasts like Britain’s King George V and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, the hobby remains robust, with collectors focusing on specific themes, periods, or postal history, continuing the tradition of studying these vital artifacts.

In Australia, philately possesses a distinct and compelling history tied to the nation’s political evolution. Before the 1901 Federation, the six colonies issued their own stamps, creating valuable and historically significant issues like the 1855 “Inverted Swan” error. Though the Commonwealth took over postal services in 1901, a unified series was not introduced until 1913, beginning with the controversial “Kangaroo and Map” design. Modern Australian philately is vibrant, supported by the Australian Philatelic Federation (APF) and numerous clubs. Australia Post actively caters to collectors through commemorative issues, thematic series, and modern formats like Postal Numismatic Covers (PNCs), reinforcing the hobby’s strong cultural and educational foothold across the country.

It’s estimated that over 300,000 Aussies are avid stamp collectors.