Article

Your popular questions answered

21 November 2025 | 13 mins

In this article, we answer three of your most popular questions about stamp collecting, including when it began.

Discover when and why stamps became collectable, when and why we created our Annual Collection, and when self-adhesive stamps were introduced.

What made stamps collectable?

Stamp collecting began with the creation of the world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black, issued in 1840. Over time, stamps became collectable for several reasons:

Limited editions: Some stamps are produced for a short time or in small quantities, making them rare.
Commemorative designs: Many stamps celebrate special events, people or places, giving them sentimental and historical value.
‘First day of issue’ postmarks: These show the exact date a stamp was first released and are only available for a short period.
Printing techniques and variations: Differences in colour, design or printing method make certain stamps unique and sought-after.
Condition and age: Older or well-preserved stamps tend to be more valuable to collectors.

At Australia Post, we’ve helped make stamps collectable in two ways. First, through our regular stamp issues that celebrate Australia’s heritage, natural wonders, sporting achievements and national milestones. Second, through our special releases and limited-edition collections, which are designed especially for collectors

When did our stamp collections begin?

Until the mid-1920s, Australia Post only issued stamps for postal needs. However, this changed in 1927 with Australia’s first Commonwealth commemorative stamp, to mark the opening of Parliament House in Canberra. From then on, commemorative stamps became regular releases.

In 1981, we introduced the Annual Collection of Australian Stamps. This offered collectors a complete year of Australian stamp issues in one beautifully presented album. It was so well received it has been released every year since. Explore the latest Annual Collections, which are available while stock lasts.

You can read Stamps through time: from 1927 up to now to delve deeper into the history of our collectable stamps.

When was the first ‘peel and stick’ stamp introduced?

In the 1990s, we achieved a world first by introducing mass-produced self-adhesive stamps for everyday use. This innovation made posting more convenient for customers and sparked a major change in stamp production around the world.

You can read about the ‘peel and stick’ experiment, including the evolution, printing and how our technology went global.

Explore more articles about stamp and coin collecting and, if you like, join our Collecting Community to discover upcoming events and to connect with other enthusiasts.