Captain Cook, Antarctic Circumnavigation 250 Years

Australia Post Collectable Stamps 2023

Since 2016, Australia Postage stamps have been used here on Norfolk Island. I have reported on issued stamps which feature Norfolk Island historic events, Fauna and Flora and many other themes. This article is an August 2023 issue, which features Captain James Cook on his Antarctic circumnavigation 250 years anniversary.

The three postage stamps features, HMS Resolution, K1 and the details of the navigation of Antarctic and First crossing the Antarctic Circle. This was Cook’s Second Voyage 1772 – 1775, the same voyage Cook discovered Norfolk Island in October 1774.

• · It is 250 years since the first circumnavigation of Antarctica and the first crossing of the Antarctic Circle. The chief objective of James Cook’s voyage (1772–75) was to settle the long-held belief of a great unknown southern landmass existing in the temperate waters of the globe’s south. Through the circumnavigation and sweeps of the South Pacific during the polar winter, he dispelled the myth. The voyage through Antarctic waters was one of great challenge and endurance, sailing deep into treacherous, icy waters. On 17 January 1773, Cook made the first recorded crossing of the Antarctic Circle. HMS Resolution crossed the circle two more times during the voyage, reaching its most southerly point in 1774, some 80 miles short of the Antarctic mainland.

First day of issue envelope (cover) with postmarked minisheet

• Issue date: 22 August 2023
• Issue withdrawal date: 1 January 2024
• First day cover/s withdrawal date: 20 September 2023

If you wish to learn more about the Australian Post Collectable issues this, issues follow the link below.

• · https://auspost.com.au/shop/product/antarctic-circumnavigation-250-years-first-day-cover-minisheet-2218013?fm=recommendations:shop:2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo8ju1-afgQMVGjmtBh1KhApKEAAYAiAAEgJQvPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I checked at the local Norfolk Island Australia Post shop and they advised they did not have this issue of the Captain Cook postal stamp first day cover. So, I have ordered a set of these stamps and the first day covers, but as I wrote this article I am still waiting for the items to be delivered.

Here are images of the stamps from the Australia Post internet site and also photos I took in Canberra of the Captain Cook Memorial with a globe sculpture and an image of Captain James Cook

Betty Matthews

22 September 2023