In March 1999 Australia was the first country in the world to introduce "personalized stamps" at the international exhibition in Melbourne.  Australia Post set up cameras and added pictures next to a real stamp.  The photo stamps can be used as se-tenant pairs with the real stamp on mail.  Collectors around the world can order these and other stamps online at Australia Personalized Stamps, write: Personalized Stamps, Australia Post, GPO Box 4081MM, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.  Phone 1-800-778-267.

Polly Woodside (With Tab)

The 45c Polly Woodside stamp, released as part of the Sailing Ships of Australia stamp issue, was first issued with a tab attached to the left side of the stamp.  This tab featured the Australia 99 logo printed in gold and black.  It was also available as a Personalised Stamp in a sheetlet of 20.

Celebrate 2000 (With Tab)

The Celebrate 2000 stamp reflects the innovations in technology and the changing of the year.  It features a hologram switching between the years 1999 and 2000 inset into the stamp and colourful fireworks.  The stamp also comes with a tab (reading 'Celebrate 2000') which is available for personalising using the Personalised Stamps service.

Celebrate 2000 Jamboree M/S(With Tab)

Now Australia Post has another world first - portable personalized stamps.  The very first trial printing was at a Scouting jamboree in January 2000.  Australia Post took a portable unit to the jamboree, took photos of the people there and made a mini-sheet (M/S) out of it on the spot virtually.  As this was a trial, stamp collectors were only made aware of the existence of the M/S recently in the stamp magazines, and it is scarce.

When the Post Office receives the persons picture, they print out a proof run to make sure the photo is OK, and if it is all right, they then use the photo with their M/S - the proofs should then be destroyed, but this one was actually sent back to the people whose photo was taken.

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Created by Keith Larson, 1000.