Ninth Definitive Issue -
         Botanical Definitive
 
 

10c stamp
"High White" 
Guettarda specioca 
15c stamp
"Pulau"
Hibiscus tiliaceus 
20c stamp
"Queen of the Night"
Selenicerus grandiflorus 
30c stamp
"Lata"
Metrosideros collina 
50c stamp
"Ginsey" 
Alpina zerumbet
$1.00 stamp
"Rose Apple" 
Syzgium jambos 
$1.50 stamp
"Cow Grass" 
Commelina diffusa
$1.80 stamp
  "Indian Shot"
Canna indica 
$2.00 stamp
   "Poopoo Flower"
Allamanda cathartica 
$3.00 stamp
"Tamanu"
Calophyllum inophyllum 
$5.00 stamp
"Morning Glory"
Ipomea indica 
$10.00 stamp
"Hattie Leaf"
Bauhinia monandra 

The Botanical Definitive will be Pitcairn's ninth definitive stamp issue, since the very first issue of Pitcairn stamps in 1940.  Other definitive issues were released in 1957, 1964, 1969, 1977, 1984, 1988 and 1995.

Botanical FDC 1The artist, Mrs Sue Williams, wife of His Excellency Mr Martin Williams CVO OBE, Governor of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, commenced work on this issue during her visit to Pitcairn with the Governor early in 1999.  While Mrs Williams prefers to paint from life, it was not possible for every illustration, as her visit was not long enough to allow for this.  We were fortunate to obtain good photographic reference but Mrs Williams, throughout 1999, also grew many of the flowers in the garden at the official residence in Wellington, New Zealand to enable her work to display such intricate detail.

Botanical FDC 2Each of the 12 stamps gives both the local and botanical names for the flowers depicted, in a border reflecting the colours of each flower.

The issue will be released on three First Day Covers; lower, middle and higher values.  Each First Day Cover features a different design.  The cancellor will feature the Hattie Leaf.  This leaf features prominently in Pitcairn tradition, being the main leaf which designs are painted and sold as souvenirs.

Botanical FDC 3The 5c stamp has been eliminated from this definitive series and a $10.00 stamp has been added.  This reflects the revision of postal rates and the increasing need to a $10.00 stamp for packages being mailed to the American Continent and Europe.  The 5c stamp is no longer required as a make-up rate, as the 10c and 15c serve this purpose.  From time to time a 5c stamp may be released as part of a commemorative stamps with a $10.00 face value.

The Botanical Definitive is being released on the date of the opening of the London Stamp Exhibition.  A sheetlet specifically for the exhibition, will be produced using designs from this definitive issue.
 
Ninth Definitive Issue - Botanical Definitive
 Please Note: All prices are in New Zealand Dollars
10c, 15c, 20c, 30c, 50c, $1.00, $1.50
$1.80, $2.00, $3.00, $5.00, $10.00
Single Set

$25.55


Gutter Pair
$51.10


Block of 4
$102.20
Lower Value
FDC
$1.75
Middle Value
FDC
$5.80
Higher Value
FDC
$21.00
    
Technical Details
Release Date:  
22 May 2000
Tablet Values (NZD):
$3.50 miniature sheet (London Exhibition Sheetlet)
10c, 15c, 20c, 30c, 50c, $1,00, $1.50, $1.80, $2.00, $3.00, $5.00, $10.00.
Artist:
Sue Williams, NZ
Stamp Design:
SeaSky Design, Paraparaumu, NZ
Printer:
Joh. Enschedé Stamps, Haarlem, Netherlands
Process:
Litho offset
Sheetlet Size:
100 x 74 mm
Stamp Size:
35 x 35mm
Perforation Gauge:
14.25 per 2cm