Postage stamps and postal history of the Ross Dependency through the Ages

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The Ross Dependency, a region in Antarctica, has a fascinating postal history. The first postage stamps were issued in 1956, featuring the Ross Dependency's coat of arms.

These early stamps were printed in Australia and were used to send mail from the Ross Dependency to other parts of the world. The stamps were a crucial part of the region's postal system.

The Ross Dependency's postal history is closely tied to its exploration and research history. The first mail was sent from the Ross Dependency in 1957, marking a significant milestone in the region's postal development.

The Ross Dependency's stamps have become highly collectible, with many rare issues featuring unique designs and commemorative themes.

Victoria Land

Victoria Land, a region of Antarctica, has been explored by several expeditions.

The Ross Dependency, which includes Victoria Land, has been the subject of several postal expeditions.

The first expedition to Victoria Land was led by Robert Falcon Scott in 1902.

Melting of Wax Seal on a Stamping Spoon
Credit: pexels.com, Melting of Wax Seal on a Stamping Spoon

The Ross Dependency has been under the administration of New Zealand since 1923.

The first stamp issued for the Ross Dependency was in 1947.

The Ross Dependency has a unique postal history, with stamps issued for various expeditions and events.

The Victoria Land region is known for its rugged terrain and extreme climate.

The Ross Dependency has a population of less than 100 people, mostly scientists and researchers.

Time Periods

The Ross Dependency issued its first stamps in 1957, in conjunction with the New Zealand Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary.

These initial stamps were inscribed "Ross Dependency" and came in four denominations: 3d, 4d, 8d, and 1s 6d.

The Ross Dependency continued to issue new stamps, with a definitive set released in 1972 featuring six stamps denominated 3c, 4c, 5c, 8c, 10c, and 18c.

The post office at Scott Base was eventually closed in 1987, marking the end of the Ross Dependency's postal operations.

1957–1987

Black and White Shot of the Old Post Office in Washington
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The Ross Dependency issued its first stamps in 1957, coinciding with the New Zealand Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary.

These initial stamps came in four denominations: 3d, 4d, 8d, and 1s 6d.

The Ross Dependency switched to decimal currency in 1967, resulting in stamps reissued in 2c, 3c, 7c, and 15c denominations.

A new set of stamps was issued in 1972, featuring six denominations: 3c, 4c, 5c, 8c, 10c, and 18c.

The 1982 set marked the 25th anniversary of Scott Base, with stamps in 5c, 10c, 20c, 30c, 40c, and 50c denominations.

The post office at Scott Base was closed in 1987 due to the rationalization of New Zealand Post, and mail was handled in Christchurch instead.

1994–Present

In 1994, New Zealand Post resumed issuing stamps with the inscription "Ross Dependency" due to local and international demand.

The Ross Dependency stamps have denominations matching those of contemporary New Zealand stamps.

These stamps are not generally valid on New Zealand mail.

A solitary Gentoo penguin stands on snowy ice near an Antarctic iceberg.
Credit: pexels.com, A solitary Gentoo penguin stands on snowy ice near an Antarctic iceberg.

Annual pictorial sets of five or six stamps have been issued since 1994.

Mail from the Ross Dependency is processed by the "Ross Dependency Agency", located at a post office in Christchurch.

Members of the public can post items bearing Ross Dependency stamps at this office.

Mail is canceled with the inscription "Ross Dependency Agency, Christchurch".

Postal Topics

The Ross Dependency has a fascinating postal history. The first stamps issued for specific use in the Ross Dependency were by the New Zealand postal administration for use by expeditions of Shackleton and Scott in the early 20th century.

These stamps were issued for the 1907-1909 British Antarctic Expedition, also called the Nimrod Expedition, led by Shackleton, and the 1911-1913 British Antarctic Expedition, also called the Terra Nova Expedition, led by Scott. The main goal of these expeditions was to be the first to reach the geographical South Pole.

Shackleton's expedition initially intended to set up its base camp on King Edward VII Land, but it proved impossible to do so. Instead, Shackleton set up camp on Ross Island, where he came within 100 miles of the South Pole.

Credit: youtube.com, Going Postal - Season 2 Episode 4 (Stamp Collecting and Postal History)

New Zealand has issued stamps inscribed 'Ross Dependency' since 1957, the year the New Zealand Scott Base was set up. The first set of these stamps was reissued in 1967 with new currency denominations.

Here's a list of notable issues of Ross Dependency stamps:

  • 1957: First set of stamps issued for the Ross Dependency
  • 1967: Reissued set with new currency denominations
  • 1972: Further set issued
  • 1982: Another set issued
  • 1994: New Zealand resumed issuing stamps for the Ross Dependency

The post office in the Ross Dependency was closed in 1987, but mail from the Ross Dependency is now processed in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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