Most stamp catalogues are just a list of every issue. This catalogue is not. What a “voyage of discovery” it was to explore David Mallen’s 6th Edition of his Australian Stamp Variations Catalogue of decimal stamps. It was delightful to read every section and discover the extent of variations that Australia Post has issued over the years. I had no idea that so many imperforate, size and perforation variations existed!

The catalogue has 12 main sections and a Specials section. The main sections contain lists of every variation of a particular type. They are: Blocks, Strips & Pairs; Gutters; Image; Imperforate; Minisheets; Overprints; Paper; Perforation; Self-adhesive; Sheetlets; Size; Tabs.  Note that it does not list every stamp issue as this information is readily found in the Stamp Bulletin and other commercial catalogues. The Specials section lists some strange stuff such as pre-decimal stamps released since 1966 and trial booklet panes. I even found details of the recent gold-foil Songbirds stamps. I didn’t realise they were thin enough to put in my album!

Australia Post produces a plethora of philatelic products so don’t expect to find them all in one catalogue. Souvenir Stamp Sheets contain what are now referred to as “generic base stock” stamps and they usually have tabs attached.  These are not listed in the Sheetlets or Tabs sections as I guess the number of pages would increase significantly.  The same goes for Personalised Stamps that can have an ‘infinite’ number of tab designs.  Some very specialist areas such as paper, surface treatment, gum colour, etc. are not mentioned, but David does list visible variations in the Image section and basic paper colour differences in the Paper section.  In October 2007 Australia Post declared certain products as “Collectable Stamps” that are not valid for postage.  These are highlighted in each section where applicable.

One very interesting inclusion on my “discovery voyage” was to find the list of prestige booklet pages in the Minisheets section.  I know there are collectors who remove these attractive pages and display them.  Now you can check your album to see if you have every one!

I also discovered that Australia’s first full imperforate self-adhesive stamp was released on 23rd November 2009. It was a reprint of the 41c Cycling stamp that was the first self-adhesive stamp issued on 16th May 1990.

I was going to be critical and state that a catalogue is not a catalogue unless it mentions prices.  But when you consider that David is an author not a dealer, and that prices for many of the rare items listed are “not fixed”, I can understand why they are not shown. A lot of modern material is sold above face value by Australia Post and its market value changes often. Last year’s minisheet of four 55c stamps in the $750 “Celebrating 200 Years Collection” springs to mind.

I do not know of another catalogue that lists the main stamp-related products Australia Post releases. This catalogue is for the specialist collector of modern material – particularly those who want “one of everything” or those who, for example, save every perforation or every self-adhesive variation. I am sure it will help you discover the gaps in your collection. The choice of ‘lay-flat’ spiral binding will be welcomed by many collectors.

This catalogue should be in the library of every Philatelic Society as it is one of the most valuable resources of decimal Australian stamps.

For more information go to the Australian Stamp Variations website:  www.asv.net.au