King Charles III definitives
The 1st class plum purple, which was unveiled in February (April issue, page 24), is joined by a 2nd class holly green, a 1st Large marine turquoise and a 2nd Large dark pine green, completing the basic range of four non-value-indicators.
The 1st class is available in booklets of four or eight, the 2nd class in booklets of eight only, and the 1st Large and 2nd Large in booklets of four, each with a cover matching the colour of the stamp.
Each of the four NVIs is also available in business sheets of 50.
The only international-rate stamp in the first tranche of definitives is a £2.20 dark green, which is necessary for the new basic worldwide airmail rate.
To minimise waste, existing stocks of Elizabeth II stamps will continue to be sold for the unchanged international tariffs of £3.25 and £4.20.
All these stamps are self-adhesive and printed in gravure by Cartor Security Printers.
There are two presentation packs, one for the four NVIs and one for the single £2.20. In the same way, Royal Mail is offering separate first day covers.
The envelope used for definitive first day covers, with its winged horse illustration, has been refreshed with a new purple colour scheme.
