Australia 2000 Christmas
From Stamps of the World
- Issue Date: 1 November 2000
- Printed by: SNP Ausprint
- Print Process: Lithography
- Withdrawal date: 30 November 2001
Contents
Description
In 2000, Christians celebrated the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus. The nativity scene is the theme of the "Silent Night" stamps, which are intended for use on domestic postage . The stamp designed for international postage features a distinctive panoramic vision of Byron Bay, a much loved holiday destination for Australians and overseas travellers alike.
Stamps
"Silent Night" Stamps
- Illustrated by: Gavin Ryan
- Calligraphy by: Bruce Edwards
- Stamp Size: 26 mm x 37.5 mm
This commemorative issue of two stamps and a miniature sheet is illustrated with nativity scenes inspired by the Christmas carol, "Silent Night". It has been translated into more than 140 languages. The final artwork combines digital images – including three dimensional landscapes and photographs – with hand-rendered drawings. The artist has substantially reworked the resulting image to create a finished stamp design which appears to have been created in a single medium.
Sheet Stamps
- Perforations: 14½ x 14
- Format: sheets of 50 (two panes of 25 separated by gutter)
Miniature Sheet
Self-adhesive Stamp
- Perforations: serpentine die cut 11¾
- Format: booklet of 20 with 20 'Card Only' labels
Single Stamp
Booklet
80c Byron Bay Stamp
- Designed by: Beth McKinlay
- Photographed by: Peter Walton
- Perforations: 14½ x 14
- Stamp Size: 42.63 mm x 18.75 mm
- Format: sheets of 50
In Australia, Christmas means summer time, so a magnificent beach scene was selected to be our Christmas ambassador to the world. The image is of Byron Bay on the north coast of New South Wales. Cape Byron is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. It boasts dramatic cliffs, beautiful views, protected beaches and sheltered rainforest gullies. Its mild climate, unspoilt hinterland and relaxed lifestyle, has made Byron Bay a very popular holiday destination.
Aerogramme
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File:Australia 2000 Christmas aerogramme.jpg
Aerogramme
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First Day Covers
The first day of issue postmark for the "Silent Night" stamps was Sydney NSW 2000. The postmark for the Byron Bay stamp was Byron Bay NSW 2481. An official first day cover for the self-adhesive variety was not produced.
