New Zealand Post created this special commemorative stamp issue to celebrate Tokelau’s Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s platinum wedding anniversary. Over their 70 years together they have achieved many remarkable milestones, of which family feature prominently. These photos captured some of those magical moments, with a traditional Tokelauan pattern creating a link back to the island nation.
Issue information
The three atolls of Tokelau became a British protectorate in 1877, at which time Queen Victoria was the reigning Monarch. For the past 65 years Queen Elizabeth II has been the island’s Head of State.
It is estimated that Tokelau was first settled around 1,000 years ago. Oral history is able to trace back several hundreds of years, many traditions and family lineage. For a time, the three atolls of Tokelau functioned relatively independent of each other. Each had a different tribe, a different chief and belief variations, this occasionally led to battles between the atolls.
Ongoing contact with Europeans led to some significant changes on the island. A wider array of food was added to the local’s diet, and new materials, information and ways of living were introduced to their everyday life. The missionaries introduced Christianity to the three atolls, a practise that was quickly adopted by the locals and is still just as strong today.
In 1877 Tokelau was taken into the protection of Great Britain, a status that was formally acknowledged in 1889. In 1926, Britain handed over protection of Tokelau to New Zealand. In 1949, it was declared a part of New Zealand, making all of its residents New Zealand citizens.
First Day Cover
This photo was taken shortly after the then Princess Elizabeth and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had completed their wedding nuptials. The couple were married in Westminster Abbey on Thursday 20 November 1947.
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover
The royal couple attended a Thanksgiving service at St Paul’s cathedral in 2006. The service was also held in honour of the Queens 80th birthday.
Product Listing for Tokelau Platinum Wedding Anniversary
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 45c 'Engagement' gummed stamp. This photo was taken in May 1947, shortly before the royal couple formally announced their engagement to the world. |
$0.45 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.40 'Family' gummed stamp. A family snap of the royals at their home in Buckingham Palace, taken in 1972, show Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip with their four children. |
$1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Touring the Pacific' gummed stamp. In February 1977, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip made a royal visit to Fiji. A moment of happiness was caught when this snap was taken of the royals. |
$2.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $3.00 'Three generations' gummed stamp. Three generations of royals are captured in this photo taken in 2003. The family was at Clarence House for a dinner to mark the Queens 50th anniversary of her coronation. |
$3.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $6.85 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 20 November 2017 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 45c, $1.40, $2.00 & $3.00 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | Jonathan Gray, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Special blocks: | Plate blocks and value blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 19 November 2018. |
