Very major stamp printing error in 2020 Aust. Yearbook

[stampchris]

Here's a heads up for all collectors interested in errors or varieties. Australia Post has now published this notice on their website -

2020 Annual Collection of Australian Stamps - Stamp Irregularity Identified

The 2020 Collection of Australian Stamps, released Tuesday 1 December 2020, has been produced with a printing error that affects one stamp featured in the Art of the Desert block of four on page 65. The featured artwork, Boxer Milner, Milnga Milnga, The Artist’s Birthplace 1999, NGA, has not been affected. However, the stamp's issue year and country of origin are not visible. The printing irregularity appears in the executive and deluxe editions.

Purchasers of the publication, who wish to have a copy of the original stamp design without the irregularity, may request an Art of the Desert stamp set by contacting Australia Post at mailorder@auspost.com.au or phoning 1800 331 794.

[MJ's pet]

Completely by accident of course.

[stampchris]

Completely by accident of course.

Yes it was. They are replacing the stamps, which brings the total face value of the stamps to almost the same as the purchase price.

[muttly2011]

I can see the standard and executive editions on the website but where is 'deluxe' to be found?

[stampchris]

I think 'deluxe' is the standard edition. The scan above is from the standard edition I bought yesterday.

[muttly2011]

Thank you stampchris.

[Global Administrator]

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The Executive (Black Leather) Editions have not been issued yet AFAIK?

I have been chasing Melbourne Philatelic for a week or more, for 2 of them for a client, who is too lazy to order them direct and wants to mail them overseas as Xmas gifts! They will mail them to me end of this week they advise when stock hits.

My LPO had the normal books on sale before December 1.

Glen

[muttly2011]

The Executive (Black Leather) Editions have not been issued yet AFAIK?

I have been chasing Melbourne Philatelic for a week or more, for 2 of them for a client, who is too lazy to order them direct and wants to mail them overseas as Xmas gifts! They will mail them to me end of this week they advise when stock hits.

My LPO had the normal books on sale before December 1.

Glen

Glen, the Leather ones are around - I bought the executive edition from the post office this afternoon.
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[Global Administrator]

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They really are truly incompetent -- I got an email today from the PO dealer contact saying the Leather Books will arrive in MEL later week.

My PO had normal books last Saturday, and I bought a few, but they said Black Leather books were still to arrive.

[Global Administrator]

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More than likely this error will be SG listed, so the books will sell out fast this year. I had some done on covers for the correct date period. They will be good down the track I am sure.

Glen

[stampchris]

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That's why I posted the details here. I think Stampboards members should get a heads up and get their own examples.

[Allanswood]

Error or not, their just as rare as any other year with any other special gummed mini sheet insert instead of the issued self adhesive example that year.

But... how on earth does the proof-reader miss that the COUNTRY is not on the stamp!

[Global Administrator]

Error or not, they are just as rare as any other year with any other special gummed mini sheet insert instead of the issued self-adhesive example that year.

None of which are in Gibbons - this one probably will be. HUGE difference.

I sold this 3d Air variety this week for $200. Why? As I got it listed in SG last year.

[stampchris]

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The error is in Block of four as shown above.

I removed it from the sheet before scanning the above image.

[Allanswood]

I wonder what's going to stop the gummed pages from sticking to the printed page underneath?

[Global Administrator]

I wonder what's going to stop the gummed pages from sticking to the printed page underneath?

The same thing that stops the last 100 Prestige Booklets from having the exact same thing occurring. A dollop of luck.

[MarkM]

I’ve been collecting these since they were first issued. And I’m not sure that I like what I am reading about the stamps being part of the page, and not provided separately to be inserted by the owner.

For me that was part of the enjoyment of having them. It might be a small thing, but I do enjoy doing that.

[Global Administrator]

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Mark ... I think you are correct ... many tell me that is what they look forward to each year!

Word is slowly spreading - I see this now on eBay for $A435 -

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/ERROR-2020-Australia-Post-Stamp-Coll ... 4541979697

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[Global Administrator]

When I calm down, I'll have some comments about the latest stupid idea from AP who have just ruined my unbroken decimal mint collection with this "new format". Philatecide!

Yes it looks like the bean counters, who do not understand collector psyche, have prevailed here.

[MJ's pet]

Completely by accident of course.

Yes it was. They are replacing the stamps, which brings the total face value of the stamps to almost the same as the purchase price.

Australia Post have been creating so-called "varieties" for years.

AP understand collector psyche *perfectly*. By planting an "error" in the year book they will ensure that it sells out.

If they didn't plan to cash in, they would leave it completely alone (like they did with Australia 2000 SG1992 49c Paralympics block with "missing Tasmania").

[Rigs]

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Yes all probably clever marketing from AP.

But being a fan of errors I just bought 2 x 2020 executive yearbooks from Port Macquarie post office.

They advised me there were 3 more behind the counter if anyone orders direct ...

[Global Administrator]

But being a fan of errors I just bought 2 x 2020 executive yearbooks from Port Macquarie post office.

Do not think it was marketing - to scrap 100,000+ books, and reprint again would cost $1 million+ so they had no choice.

Smart move buying 2 (you really should have bought them all!) .. total no-brainer for anyone, email your receipt to MEL to address above and claim the 2 free sets of normals.

The error block 4 will be a $100+ piece I feel sure. So you get that $100 block free basically, if you use the rest of book up on mail.

So you are paying face value essentially for the books, and can use the rest up on mail, AND then keep the error block free. They will have a HUGE premium being used with wide margins all sides - this bird block 4 postally used "Mini sheet" will be a double face item used etc.

[Rigs]

Smart move buying 2 (you really should have bought them all!) .. total no-brainer for anyone, email your receipt to MEL to address above and claim the 2 free sets of normals.

Maybe I will if they are still available later.

What would a postally-used non philatelic on cover fetch?

[Global Administrator]

What would a postally-used non philatelic on cover fetch?

A lot more now, than in a year's time.

[Allanswood]

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I must say that it's surprising to hear that Port Mac PO had 5 Exec Albums when just 6,500 have been made and likely half or more are standing orders, which doesn't leave many to be sent out to local PO's, where they have to wear the cost of having them to sell. Normal albums maybe.

I might try an get another one, to sell the error, if someone want's it, so that I can finance the purchase of the regular sheet issued stamps and try and locate supplies of the whole year that I have now missed!

[Penguin644]

Great advice Glen. This morning I bought the two copies they had at my local LPO. (Sorry, photos, not scans, as I am working from home today.)

There are a number of unique configurations of stamps in there I see, for example:

[Penguin644]

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I can post pics of each "stamp" page if you like.

[MarkM]

I might try an get another one, to sell the error, if someone want's it, so that I can finance the purchase of the regular sheet issued stamps and try and locate supplies of the whole year that I have now missed!

Thinking about this more, I am now relieved that I have been buying the monthly individual stamp issues and miniature sheets as the have come out this year. A bit of unintended, and unusual, foresight.

[Global Administrator]

I can post pics of each "stamp" page if you like.

Excellent idea. Been too busy here to do that.

[Global Administrator]

There are a number of unique configurations of stamps in there I see, for example:

Are we pretty sure a block 4 format was NOT offered when these were issued?

Maybe in a Prestige Booklet of the issue etc if they did one?

[Allanswood]

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Is the Disaster Relief issue in there? Only came peel and stick.

Or is that an unnoticed page in the album?

[Penguin644]

The disaster relief issue is not in there.

[Penguin644]

Photos of "stamp" pages in this and following posts. Again sorry they are just snapshots.

[Penguin644]

Next lot..

[Penguin644]

[Penguin644]

And next ...

[Penguin644]

And more ...

[Penguin644]

The final two. I haven't reposted the other 3 already seen elsewhere on this thread.

[DarrenK]

I picked up 3 albums at the Kilmore Post Office this afternoon and they had more available.

Many strange configurations as others have mentioned.

Is this an attempt to bolster sales???

[Tiredinsyd]

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I picked up my Leather Executive edition today, its number is north of 5500 out of 6500 printed , suggesting that all will have the error.

Does anyone know if AP plan to reissue albums with the corrected sheet on page 65. Potentially not for the Executive but the deluxe edition maybe?

Really not liking the new format, the Executive Edition has the standard gold pages on the edges clearly applied AFTER the book was bound with gummed sheets meaning the sheets stick together and if not separated when you purchase will only adhere together over time.
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[MarkM]

I picked up my Leather Executive edition today , its number is north of 5500 out of 6500 printed , suggesting that all will have the error . Does anyone know if AP plan to reissue albums with the corrected sheet on page 65 . Potentially not for the Executive but the deluxe edition maybe?

Really not liking the new format, the Executive Edition has the standard gold pages on the edges clearly applied AFTER the book was bound with gummed sheets meaning the sheets stick together and if not separated when you purchase will only adhere together over time.

I’ve ordered an executive copy and the sticking has also crossed my mind. I’m thinking when it arrives that I may need to put baking paper between each of the pages to stop the stocking.....

I suspect AP may well rue this idea.

[Rigs]

I picked up my Leather Executive edition today , its number is north of 5500 out of 6500 printed , suggesting that all will have the error . Does anyone know if AP plan to reissue albums with the corrected sheet on page 65 . Potentially not for the Executive but the deluxe edition maybe?

Really not liking the new format, the Executive Edition has the standard gold pages on the edges clearly applied AFTER the book was bound with gummed sheets meaning the sheets stick together and if not separated when you purchase will only adhere together over time.

I’ve ordered an executive copy and the sticking has also crossed my mind. I’m thinking when it arrives that I may need to put baking paper between each of the pages to stop the stocking.....

I suspect AP may well rue this idea.

Worse, it comes in a plastic sleeve - so you have to worry about it ‘sweating’ inside?

[Tiredinsyd]

I’ve ordered an executive copy and the sticking has also crossed my mind. I’m thinking when it arrives that I may need to put baking paper between each of the pages to stop the stocking.....

I suspect AP may well rue this idea.

I think actually AP will love it , its now less likely that in years to come people will be reusing stamps from year books for mail in this format

I think AP have totally lost the plot , they have had a format that has worked since 1981 ..and they now do this?

[MarkM]

I picked up my Leather Executive edition today , its number is north of 5500 out of 6500 printed , suggesting that all will have the error . Does anyone know if AP plan to reissue albums with the corrected sheet on page 65 . Potentially not for the Executive but the deluxe edition maybe?

Really not liking the new format, the Executive Edition has the standard gold pages on the edges clearly applied AFTER the book was bound with gummed sheets meaning the sheets stick together and if not separated when you purchase will only adhere together over time.

I’ve ordered an executive copy and the sticking has also crossed my mind. I’m thinking when it arrives that I may need to put baking paper between each of the pages to stop the stocking.....

I suspect AP may well rue this idea.

Worse, it comes in a plastic sleeve - so you have to worry about it ‘sweating’ inside?

That’s a good point. God it just gets worse.......

[MarkM]

I’ve ordered an executive copy and the sticking has also crossed my mind. I’m thinking when it arrives that I may need to put baking paper between each of the pages to stop the stocking.....

I suspect AP may well rue this idea.

I think actually AP will love it , its now less likely that in years to come people will be reusing stamps from year books for mail in this format

I think AP have totally lost the plot , they have had a format that has worked since 1981 ..and they now do this?

I know what you are saying, but if they continue this idea and the various possible issues that we mention above come to fruition in a large number of cases, then I can see sales decreasing.

[Allanswood]

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Well I'm now spending my evening ordering as many of the sheet stamps that were available for this year from AP, then I'll be sending a very cranky email asking for them to find any, particularly the earlier ones for this year as they OWE ME the missing stamps (I'll happily pay for them, but they better still have them!) that I did not know I would have to try and locate.

I have had a standing order for the executive album ever since they were first released and have ordered these albums for over 35 years in all and now they do this!

Some pumpkin headed, bean counting, spin doctoring, millennial brained twits have sat around a table and decided without notice to produce the annual album this way. They are NOT THE ISSUED SHEET STAMPS and that is what I have always collected.

These are at best souvenired reprints of the stamps. They are not the same configuration, unknown as to paper, perforation and shade. "Exciting new format" my derriere.

I want the stamps I expected to get in my annual album and then, and from now on, will have to order the sets as they are released, turning me back 40 years to when that was the only way I could get them. I just have to go back and find what was actually issued.

Annoyed enough to stop buying new issues altogether? - Very close. They kept stuffing up my Maxicards (they started sending FDC's and then nothing) and I let them go recently as well. That was my "fine used" collection ended also.

Might buy a deluxe edition and use that to mount my own stamps. Or just give up. They obviously aren't catering for collectors anymore with this tripe. Now it's just a "coffee table" grab.

[Tiredinsyd]

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Well I'm now spending my evening ordering as many of the sheet stamps that were available for this year from AP, then I'll be sending a very cranky email asking for them to find any, particularly the earlier ones for this year as they OWE ME the missing stamps (I'll happily pay for them, but they better still have them!) that I did not know I would have to try and locate.

I have had a standing order for the executive album ever since they were first released and have ordered these albums for over 35 years in all and now they do this!

Some pumpkin headed, bean counting, spin doctoring, millennial brained twits have sat around a table and decided without notice to produce the annual album this way. They are NOT THE ISSUED SHEET STAMPS and that is what I have always collected.

These are at best souvenired reprints of the stamps. They are not the same configuration, unknown as to paper, perforation and shade. "Exciting new format" my derriere.

I want the stamps I expected to get in my annual album and then, and from now on, will have to order the sets as they are released, turning me back 40 years to when that was the only way I could get them. I just have to go back and find what was actually issued.

Annoyed enough to stop buying new issues altogether? - Very close. They kept stuffing up my Maxicards (they started sending FDC's and then nothing) and I let them go recently as well. That was my "fine used" collection ended also.

Might buy a deluxe edition and use that to mount my own stamps. Or just give up. They obviously aren't catering for collectors anymore with this tripe. Now it's just a "coffee table" grab.

Allanswood, I have exactly the same sentiments. Fortunately I also use the Lighthouse Printed pages, so for that reason I buy the issues as they come out. So ping me if there are issues you are missing, I may be able to assist

Bad news - The Deluxe and the Executive BOTH have the same full sheet Reproduction. There is no Album you can use to mount to match the previous albums style and method

Another disappointment for collectors from AP ...

[Global Administrator]

Does anyone know if AP plan to reissue albums with the corrected sheet on page 65.

I asked Sportsbet, and they gave me odds of between zero and 0.00 of that occurring.

[Allanswood]

I've managed to secure everything back to March, the earlier ones all were withdrawn in Oct, but may still be in returned storage. Ill see what I can stir up with a terse email.

I stopped buying any other hingeless albums for the Aussie issues decades ago, so only have a stockbook to put them in. That's the reason I always bought the annual collection, it became my album.

Glen, it looks like there are multiple configurations giving joined pairs and blocks that did not exist before - the comedy issues were all single image to each sheet stamps, now it's a set as a block of 4.

[Allanswood]

AP produced some lovely stamps this year - which I don't have.

Australia 2020 Gang Gang Cockatoo Stamp.