The world is a lesser place for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
Issue information
The 30th March 2002 marked the end to an extraordinary life and New Zealand Post issued this special stamp to preserve the memory of this remarkable woman for generations to come.
Hers was a life of extraordinary events and devoted service, that spanned the 20th century and beyond. Born the Honourable Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon on 4 August 1900, she had roles in public life as the Duchess of York, the Queen Consort and, following the death of George VI, as Queen Mother, a title created especially for her. In all that time, public affection and admiration for her only continued to increase.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother died at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, on Saturday, 30 March 2002, aged 101. On her passing, family and friends spoke touchingly of her warmth, humanity, humour and powerful sense of duty.
This postage stamp was New Zealand's tribute to Her Majesty's long life and many years of public service. This was the fourth occasion that the Queen Mother had appeared on a New Zealand postage stamp. In 1937, a set of three stamps was issued for the Coronation of her husband, King George VI and herself as Queen Consort, in 1946 she appeared with the Royal Family on the two penny Peace stamp, and in 2000 on a set of three stamps issued for her 100th birthday.
Special First Day Cover
HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother lived nearly all of her life in public duty, which included three tours of New Zealand. The first day cover paid tribute to her selfless dedication.
Product Listing for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900 - 2002
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp | Single $2.00 'HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother' gummed stamp. | $2.00 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with stamp affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $2.50 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 5 June 2002 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | One |
| Denomination and design: | $2.00, HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother |
| Stamp designed by: | Red Cactus Design, Wellington |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, Dunedin by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 40mm x 35mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | De la Rue 103gsm red phosphor stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 50 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.25 x 14.25 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode, value blocks and logo blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least two stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B formats for sheet stamps. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 4 June 2003. |