Royal Wedding Stamps: A Collector's Guide to Commonwealth Omnibus Issues

Many Royal Wedding stamps belong to what collectors call omnibus issues. According to the American Philatelic Society, an omnibus issue is a set of commemorative stamps with a shared theme released by several postal authorities. Within the British Empire and Commonwealth from 1935 to 1966, most used a uniform design, were usually printed in the United Kingdom, and were issued through the Crown Agents in the participating colonies and dominions.

That shared design is part of the appeal. Collectors enjoy seeing the same basic layout adapted with each country's name and denominations, and later omnibus sets often included local scenes or symbols for each issuing territory.

1935 Silver Jubilee. The APS describes the 1935 King George V Silver Jubilee issue as the first of the British Commonwealth omnibus series. It is not a wedding issue, but it set the pattern for the royal omnibus sets that followed.

1947 and 1948. Britain did not issue stamps for the 1947 wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten. According to The Postal Museum, the 1948 Royal Silver Wedding of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth was marked with stamps after criticism of that decision. The 1948 Silver Wedding became a major Commonwealth omnibus issue. The APS notes it was released late, from September 1948 to August 1949, and that several territories issued high values that exceeded their existing definitives, which upset collectors at the time. It also notes that a legitimately postally used collection of the 1948 set is nearly impossible to complete.

1972 and 1973. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's Silver Wedding in 1972 was marked by Britain and many Commonwealth countries, and the 1973 wedding of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips brought another round of issues.

1981 Charles and Diana. The 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer produced one of the largest royal issues ever. A 1981 article in the journal of the Malta Philatelic Society counted more than forty countries issuing stamps, souvenir sheets, sheetlets, booklets, and more, including some countries with no direct connection to the British royal family. Many Commonwealth nations issued multiple formats, which makes this one of the richest areas to explore.

Later royal weddings and anniversaries continued the tradition, giving collectors an ongoing story to follow.

• Affordability. Many modern Royal Wedding sets are inexpensive, so you can build a large, attractive collection on a modest budget.
• Variety of formats. Stamps, souvenir sheets, booklets, booklet panes, gutter pairs, and first day covers all offer different ways to collect.
• A natural theme. Royal Wedding stamps fit easily into a topical collection on royalty, the Commonwealth, or a specific country.
• A sense of completion. Omnibus issues come with a built-in checklist, so you always know what is left to find.
• Beautiful design. Portraits, castles, carriages, and local scenery make these some of the most visually appealing modern stamps.

There is no single right way. The APS suggests several approaches for omnibus stamps:

• By country: mount each set chronologically with the other stamps of that country
• By event: keep all the stamps for one wedding or anniversary together in a stock book, at the back of an album, or in a dedicated omnibus album
• One per territory: collect a single representative stamp or set from each country, which is much less costly

You can also focus on one event, such as 1981, and try to collect every country and format.

1. Decide on mint or used. Mint never-hinged sets are easy to find for many modern issues. Genuinely used examples from small territories can be much harder to locate.
2. Watch for philatelic cancels. The APS advises being cautious of used omnibus stamps with matching cancellations from first day covers or other philatelic mail, if you want commercially used examples.
3. Collect souvenir sheets too. Many countries issued souvenir sheets alongside their sets, and they display beautifully.
4. Use Scott numbers. Listing the countries and Scott numbers you need makes it easy for a dealer to help you. Scott's worldwide catalogues also include simplified illustrated listings of omnibus issues near the front of each volume, according to the APS.
5. Store sheets flat. Souvenir sheets and large sheetlets are best kept in protective mounts or sleeves to avoid creases.

What is a Commonwealth omnibus issue?

It is a group of stamps on a shared theme issued by multiple Commonwealth postal authorities, often with a common design.

Are Royal Wedding stamps valuable?

Most modern Royal Wedding stamps are affordable, which makes them a great collecting theme. Value depends on the specific issue, format, and condition.

How many countries issued stamps for the 1981 Royal Wedding?

A 1981 count in the journal of the Malta Philatelic Society put it at more than forty countries.

Carolina Mountain Stamps carries an especially deep selection of Royal Wedding souvenirs and sheets, along with Commonwealth event and first day covers. Browse our eBay store, visit our booth at Needful Things Mall on Route 64 in Hendersonville, or email your want list to sallyc@ix.netcom.com.