Non-Value Indicator 'Universal' stamps for Europe and the World - 27 March 2003
The first NVI stamp specifically for international use was the 'E' rate
definitive issued in January 1999 and covering letters up to 20gr. Now
Royal Mail have concluded that a considerable quantity of international
mail actually falls into the 20-40gr weight step, so new stamps have
been issued for those rates. The release of these stamps coincides with
increases in postage rates. The price of the 'E' stamps will increase
from 37p to 38p; when first issued, the 40gr Europe stamp has a value of
52p and the worldwide stamp £1.12.
(Proofs)
Booklet covers
Technical details: These stamps are only sold in booklets of 4 of each, and are printed in gravure by Walsall. The Europe booklet cost £2.08 and the Worldwide booklet £4.48 when first issued.
Images are from Stamp Preview and The Philatelic Bulletin and are copyright 2003, Royal Mail.
First Day Covers
A single design Norvic Philatelics Exclusive Limited Edition FDC was produced for this issue for pairs of stamps and for pairs of complete panes.
Pair of Norvic FDCs with booklets - £10.00
Note: both covers are the same white envelopes; these scans were done at different times.
These special postmarks were available on the day of issue:
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| Ref E4680 - Windsor Castle, Royal Mail permanent handstamp | Ref FD325 - Official Bureau FDI postmark | Ref FD326 - Official Windsor FDI postmark | Ref E7748 - Bath Postal Museum, Postal History Brought to Life | Ref FD235 - Centenary of the Old Post Office Tintagel |
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<<<<< Ref L8377 Self Adhesives, Europe and Worldwide, London |
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<<<<< Ref L8380 Self Adhesives, Universal Rates 52p & £1.12 London |
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Updated 6 June 2008
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| 14 January Birds of Prey | 21 January Flowers Greetings Stamps Smilers Sheet | 4 February Occasions/Greetings stamps and Smilers sheet | 25 February Medical Science - DNA & Genome | 4 March Hello SA booklet & Wales 1st reprint |
| 25 March Fun Fruit & Vegetables | 27 March - New definitives, SA airmail booklets of 40gr stamps | 29 April Extreme Endeavours | 6 May 34p definitives | 20 May Wilding II miniature sheet |
| 28 May Wales 2nd class, 1st class gold reprints | 2 June - 50th Anniversary of the Coronation | 17 June Prince William of Wales | 1 July High Value Definitive reprints | 15 July British Journey - Scotland |
| 29 July Cartoons Smilers Sheet | 12 August Pub Signs - Europa | 18 September Transports of Delight - toys | 30 September Christmas Robin Smilers Sheet | 7 October 250th Anniv. of British Museum |
| 13 October Reprints of Country Stamps | 4 November Christmas: Ice Sculptures | 18 December England World Cup - Rugby Winners |
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