Earlier this year, Australia Post issued a stamp and coin set celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Australian poet Henry Lawson.
Lawson (1867-1922) was an Australian writer and poet born near the gold mining centre of Grenfell, New South Wales, on June 17, 1867. He’s widely considered to be one of the greatest poets and short-story writers of the colonial period.
$1 LAWSON STAMP
The set includes an official Australia Post $1 stamp, which is postmarked for the first day of issue.
The $1 stamp featuring The Drover’s Wife represents Lawson’s more traditional narrative writing style. The story is set in the remote outback. A strong, long-suffering drover’s wife is left in an isolated hut with four children to tend to, while her drover husband travels for months at a time. The wife displays the resilience to overcome both loneliness and the harsh environment.
The envelope also includes Australia Post’s seal of authenticity.
The set also includes a $1 aluminum bronze coin.
$1 LAWSON COIN
The set also includes a $1 aluminum bronze coin struck by the Perth Mint. Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, the 2017 year-date and the monetary denomination on its obverse. The reverse depicts Lawson’s profile within an inscription denoting the 150th anniversary of his birth. The coin has a weight of 13.50 grams, a 30.60-mm diameter and a 3.10-mm thickness.
Each coin is housed in a beautifully designed card featuring images of Lawson. The card includes a circular window revealing the coin’s reverse and obverse designs.
Only 7,500 postal numismatic covers will be produced.
For more information, visit shop.auspost.com.au/stamp-and-coin-collectables/stamp-issues/henry-lawson-1867-1922.