The new stamps will carry the new monarch’s profile following royal approval for the release last month.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September, it was confirmed that the Island could continue to issue stamps bearing her image which had already received approval and been printed, enabling Jersey Post to issue its Black History and Christmas issues in the last quarter of 2022.
But although existing stocks of stamps showing the Queen’s image can continue to be used until they are withdrawn from sale – after two years in the case of commemorative issues – or simply run out in the case of the non-value indicated local letter and UK letter stamps, no new releases bearing her portrait or cipher could be issued after Saturday.
Confirming that approval has now been received for the first issue showing the King’s cipher, Jersey Post’s philatelic marketing manager Rachel MacKenzie said that there continued to be great interest in stamps and stamp collecting worldwide.
“We work hard to produce varied and exciting stamp programmes each year to keep our existing collectors engaged, while also attracting new collectors from across the globe and we’re excited to see what the future holds for philately,” she said.
One of Jersey Post’s most important definitive stamp issues of 2022 – stamps available for an extended period – was the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee issue, which was available from 1 June.
“The Jubilee was such a momentous occasion and it was important to us that the image we chose for the stamp reflected this,” said Mrs MacKenzie.
‘We knew we wanted to incorporate some special ink techniques but we needed to ensure we had the right image first. The photographic portrait which features on the stamp was taken by Dorothy Wilding in 1952, the year of Her Majesty’s accession,” she said.
Mrs MacKenzie explained that the image showed the Queen wearing the George IV state crown, which she also wore at the Coronation, with flourishes and detail from the Queen’s Coronation gown added.
‘We then chose to embellish the design further with several special ink techniques including platinum suprametal, silver hot foil, gloss UV varnish and iridescent ink to give Her Majesty’s dress, crown and necklace a subtle sparkle and to create a celebratory feel fitting for the occasion,’ she added.
The jubilee issue formed part of Jersey Post’s programme of stamp issues agreed between 18 months and two years in advance, combining key local events and anniversaries with wider celebrations, many featuring designs by local artists.
Earlier this year, Jersey Post received a prestigious award at the World Post and Parcel Awards in Dubai for its Flockdown stamp issue designed by Islander Berni Martin.
“Before the internet, stamps were a way for people to explore the world, and still today stamps offer a unique opportunity for us to reach people in the four corners of the globe with something tactile and visual, rather than a transient phone call or email. Whether it’s an avid stamp collector in Europe or the simple act of a person sending a letter to a relative in Australia, these tiny works of art have the power to unite people and create a sense of community through shared experiences, anniversaries and events,” Mrs MacKenzie said.