1999-01-06: BRC Press Release #6
December 28, 1998 saw the release of new definitives stamps in preparation for the new postal rates that took effect on January 1, 1999. The seven stamps depict the queen, flag and iceberg, and the stylized maple leaf used previously on the 45c self adhesive stamps.
Canada's three new perforated medium-denomination
definitive stamps are for the 55¢ letter rate to the United States, the 73¢
second-weight-step for domestic letter mail from 30 grams to 50gr, and the 95¢
international letter rate. They replace the popular Fruit Trees series. The new
55¢ stamp, for the letter rate to the United States, features a gold maple leaf
bordered with silver against a blue background. The second-weight-step 73¢
stamp for domestic letter mail weighing from 30 grams to 50gr features a yellow
maple leaf bordered with silver against a violet background. The
international-rate 95¢ stamp features a green maple leaf bordered with gold
against an orange background. The first-class-rate 46¢ stamp will feature a red
maple leaf bordered with gold against a green background. The domestic-rate 46¢
stamp will be available in ATM panes of 18, in self adhesive format only. The 55¢,
73¢ and 95¢ stamps will be available in panes of 50 stamps, with the 55c and
95c also available in booklets of 5 stamps.
The
46¢ first-class-rate definitive stamp depicts a Canadian flag flying over a
rocky coast, with an iceberg shown in the background. The stamp will be
available in panes of 120 stamps with gutters, booklets of 10 stamps and
self-adhesive booklets of 30 stamps.
A burgundy background highlights the 46¢
first-class-rate stamp featuring Queen Elizabeth II. The design was first used
for Canada's 1987 QEII definitive stamp, a portrait by Yousuf Karsh. This time
the familiar photograph will feature a burgundy background and will be available
in panes of 120, with gutters.
A new single-color 46¢ Flag coil stamp, this one with no background design and
in red, will be sold in rolls of 100 stamps.
More details of these stamps will be added to the BRC checklists after they have been fully examined.
