1977 South African protea definitive stamp series
If I had to choose between commemorative and definitive stamps, then my choice would be definitive stamps. Take for example the 1977 South African Republic definitive stamp series displaying protea plants. I got hooked with these in late 1990’s.
A full set issued in May 27, 1977 contains 17 different designs and values each having perf. 12½. The topic of the stamps are many faces of protea plants; appropiately the name protea comes from Greek god Proteus, who could change his shape at will.
1977 South Africa. The first six values of definitive series displaying protea plants. These have 12½ perf.
Later on (in late 1970’s and early 1980’s), many of the values (3,5,6,7,8,9,10,20,25,30,50 cents and 1 and 2R) have been reprinted in perf. 14¼:14 . In addition of different perforation, one of the key differences between original and reprints are printing methods. Whereas the originals were printed using rotogravure process, reprints are mostly done on litho presses.
1977 South Africa, Protea definitive stamps, values from 7-20c, perf.12½. This was the third definitive stamp set for the republic. The stamps were designed by Dick Findlay, who has also done several stamps for SWA/Namibia.
In addition there are sometimes very notable differences in paper used, such as thin and thick paper, and glossy and matte surface coating. These differences are IMO very easy to pick up when feeling stamp gently with fingertips.
1977 South Africa, protea definite stamps "high values". As you can see my 1 Rand stamps is a spacefiller, and 2R stamp I'm missing totally.
And finally, there are 4 coil stamps that are imperf on top and bottom. Every fifth coil stamp may have a control number printed on the back of the stamp.
1977 South Africa. Coil versions of protea definitive stamps were issued on May 27th, 1977. This is once again a short set, as I'm missing the highest value of 10c.
IMHO this set has all the characteristics of an upcoming classic stamp issue, and it’s definitely fun to collect both on general and more detailed level.
You might also be interested of related posts about Stamps and postal history of South Africa (RSA) and States.
PLEASE use a Protea stamp with a part round cancel not one that makes a viewer seasick.
I like your captcha, great idea !!
Erich
Hi Erich,
I’d definitely prefer owning a copy with light SOTN CDS (like the 5c Protea cynaroides) , but unfortunately that’s the best copy of 7c stamp I have (for now).
Hi. I read your article on the 1977 RSA protea stamp series.
I have a few of these and noticed that I had the 10c one you were talking about was missing in your collection.
I have a large stamp collection and would like to sell it;
can you give me any advice
Hi Claire,
Sell it to me? Or as in general?
Possibly the best guideline for anyone selling anything is “list it up in your favourite online auction, set a low reserve, and see how things go”.
Please can you tell me what “list up” in your favourite online auction means and “in your favourite online auction”. I am a complete novice. I have so many stamps my late Father left me. He invested a lot of money in many of his stamps – he began at the age of 15, he died at the age of 86 a few years ago.
thanking you.
Veronica
@Veronica…
“List up”… Sign the stamps into auction; which essentially means you put them for sale on the specific auction.
“In your favorite online auction”… Essentially this means any online auction that You prefer. For example in Europe a lot of collectors sell and buy using eBay and Delcampe; in USA eBay and BidStart are likely the most popular names. And there are hundreds of country specific online auctions (like Tradera for Sweden, HuutoNet and Systeemi for Finland etc). Each service has different rules of service, different fees structures etc. that are properly explained in the How-to/FAQ etc. articles these services provide for their customers.
I know getting familiar with the rules takes time, but that is pretty much the only option if you truly the prefer the sell stamps yourself. The other option would be to consign the stamps to some local stamp dealer or stamp auctioneer. If the collection/stamps are truly valuable, then the latter may be a better option. But for “normal stuff”, do-it-yourself online auctions (like eBay) usually bring a far better profit margin. But that’s just my (non-professional) opinion as a common stamp collector.
Good Day
i was `googling for specialist info on the 3rd `definative when i came upon your site. i am very impressed.i have a large stock of proteas, so i can let you have any you need. The R2 is very scarce as is the 10c coil.
i am a bit confused about the perf of the reprints. some sources quote perf 14, other talk about 14×13 1/2 and others 14 1/2 x 14 and so on.
when i have definite answer i will let you know.
i am in the process of compiling a comprehensive 3rd defin display for our stamp club and you know what happens if you get it wrong. They jump all over you.
I hope ypour health has improved
Clivealex
Thanks for the generous offer. I’ll have to check my collection if I’ve filled those spaces already.
On this topic I’ll simply rely on what Michel & SG tell me. But I would not be amazed if they simplified things a bit.
Feeling better (the good side of cortisone based meds is that they make one feel GREAT no matter what the real condition is), but still a long road to full recovery ahead.
Keijo
Have you had a look at our (South African) 6th Definitive (Endangered Fauna) yet?`Now there is an interesting series. It ran from 1993 until 2000. There are changes of design, reprints, and various papers used.
I have a part collection already. I will get back to it a soon as I have completed the Proteas.
Clive
CAPE TOWN
@Clive… Not in great detail. If I recall properly I have most of the major issues and reprints from that series in my RSA stockbook…. One of my goals is to go through one (worldwide) definitive series a month and study/read a bit more about the backgrounds and technical details of it; so sooner or later I’ll dig into that too
I know a lot of traditional philatelists might consider my approach as blasphemy (as I’m only scratching the surface), but personally I’ve found it very educational & useful.
I don’t believe in blasphemy. No method of philately is wrong, after all it is your collection, no-one else’s. Personally I don’t like stock books but that is only my preference. I get most kick from organising my collection in an album (self made) with as much info as i can get.how’s the weather there in the land of the midnight sun? We are having rain rain rain and this is supposed to be a winter rainfall area. Talk about climate change!
Cheers
We’re definitely on the same page with this one
Wet, chilly and dark – in other words totally miserable.
It’s been raining for several days. Some snow, but mostly water!!! We had some decent snow and cold weather few weeks back, but it’s all melting away rapidly with state things are going. Likely this December will become the warmest in recorded history. Climate change indeed!
Keijo!…decent snow? decent rain and decent cold?…well, is a new system of meteorological jargon? LOL!
Hey Keijo!… how long is a piece of (decent) string?…we wish you and family the best of this christmas and new year… but don’t abuse of medication, do it decently…otherwise I have to put my stamps in the bin…sigh!
“Some snow, but mostly water!!! ”
Sorry about that. After last year’s record snow fall in our area, I bought a snow blower this fall. I knew that would guarantee that we don’t get much snow here, but I hardly thought the impact would be felt in Finland.
The more I read of your blog, Keijo, the more we have in common. I’m a definitive junkie! Machins, Posthorns, Swedish kings, Finnish lions, Australian sea life, you name it.
I don’t tend to get too deep into varieties, although Robin Harris does such a great job documenting Machin varieties that I’m digging deeper there.
Two problems I have: Scott doesn’t really order definitive issues chronologically, and I don’t read German. So there’s lots of messing about getting longer definitive series in the proper chronological order. I have a Facit catalogue for Scandinavia / Finland so that helps a lot (swedish and english!)
Best wishes,
Mark
@Fred… I know, I know…It’s an eternity project… I’ll promise to take things slowly.
@mrprgrmr… So that explains it all. And I thought it was some butterfly flipping it’s wings on Bahamas or similar
@mark…
Facit is definitely excellent resource for any Scandinavian country.
12/16/2011 – Butterflies, snowblowers, hmmm… Global warming is here in Michigan, too. The wreath on my front door hasn’t seen a “decent” blast of snow, yet!
I have a set of these stamps in the plastic sleeve, what is the market value?
@Dan… IMHO used set is worth few bucks, mint 3-4 times more.