Machin Series: A Comprehensive Look

Introduction

The Machin Series is a set of postage stamps issued by the United Kingdom since 1967. It features the profile of Queen Elizabeth II, making it the longest-running definitive stamp series in British history.

History

The Machin Series was introduced in 1967 as a replacement for the Wilding Series. It was designed by Arnold Machin, a British sculptor and engraver.

The first Machin stamps were printed in photogravure, but they were later switched to lithography in 1971. The stamps have undergone several revisions over the years, including changes to the Queen's portrait and the addition of new security features.

Design

The Machin Series stamps feature a simple yet elegant design. The stamps are printed in a single color, and they feature a profile of Queen Elizabeth II in the center. The Queen's portrait is surrounded by a frame of stylized leaves.

The Machin Series stamps are available in a variety of denominations. The most common denominations are 1st class, 2nd class, and 50p.

Significance

The Machin Series is one of the most iconic postage stamp series in the world. It has been used to prepay postage on billions of letters and parcels.

The Machin Series is also a valuable collector's item. Some of the earlier stamps in the series are rare and valuable, and they can fetch high prices at auction.

Conclusion

The Machin Series is a classic postage stamp series that has stood the test of time. It is a simple yet elegant design that has been used to prepay postage on billions of letters and parcels.