
Aitutaki, a small South Pacific island, has a rich postal history. It was first introduced to the world's postal system in 1865.
The first postage stamps issued for Aitutaki were in 1865, featuring Queen Victoria's portrait. These stamps were printed in London and used on the island until 1880.
Aitutaki's postal history is closely tied to its colonial past, particularly its time as a British protectorate. This period had a lasting impact on the island's postal system.
The island's remote location and limited population made mail delivery a significant challenge.
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Stamp Collections
Stamp collections are a fascinating hobby that can be a great way to learn about the history and culture of a place.
Aitutaki, a small island in the Cook Islands, has a rich postal history, and its postage stamps are highly sought after by collectors.
The first postage stamps issued in Aitutaki were in 1890, featuring Queen Victoria's portrait.
These early stamps are highly valuable and can be a great addition to any collection.
The Cook Islands, including Aitutaki, issued its own stamps after gaining independence from New Zealand in 1965.
These modern stamps feature a range of designs, from traditional Polynesian patterns to modern island scenes.
The stamps of Aitutaki are known for their vibrant colors and unique designs, making them a great choice for collectors.
Aitutaki's remote location has also made its postage stamps highly collectible due to their rarity.
Many collectors seek out stamps from Aitutaki and other remote Pacific islands to add to their collections.
The Cook Islands Philatelic Bureau issues new stamps regularly, making it a great time to start or add to a stamp collection.
Postal History and Island Information
Aitutaki's postal history is a fascinating story. The island's first stamps were actually the issues of the Cook Islands from 1892.
A separate stamp issuing policy was introduced on Aitutaki in 1903, where New Zealand stamps were overprinted with 'Aitutaki' and a new face value in the native language.
The stamps used on Aitutaki between 1932 and 1972 were the same as those used in the Cook Islands as a whole.
Aitutaki resumed a separate stamp issuing policy in 1972, with issues aimed at the thematic collectors market.
Between the 1970's and 1980's, a significant number of stamps were issued on Aitutaki, particularly for collectors.
The stamps of the Cook Islands remain valid on Aitutaki, while the issues of Aitutaki are only valid on the island itself.
Sources
- https://www.worthpoint.com/dictionary/p/stamps/-country/aitutaki-new-zealand-administration-1903-1932-stamps
- https://stampworldhistory.nl/country-profiles-2/oceania-antarctica/aitutaki/
- https://www.linns.com/news/us-stamps-postal-history/look-for-aitutaki-1920-capt.-james-cook-set
- https://www.apfelbauminc.com/cook-island-collectors-stamps/
- https://www.apfelbauminc.com/aitutaki-collectors-stamps/
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