Australian CTO Stamps

Early Australian stamps were issued CTO in collector packs of which less than 2,000 of each pack released were sold. These are extremely sought after by specialist Australian collectors. Value-wise, these are at a premium, more often at least 10 times that of fine used.

In the main these were prepared in Melbourne and have distinctive hand cancels so even where the gum has been soaked off are still recognizable as CTO.

There has been a lot of recent research recognizing the different cancels and prices vary for the same stamp according to the cancel used.

Australia has also released CTO stamps in mixtures primarily aimed at the new collector (children), at least from the 70s. Since the 90s there have also been the 'sand dune' CTOs where the cancels are printed, but equally gain catalogue status.

All Australian CTOs are covered in the Australian Commonwealth Specialist Catalogue (ACSC) from Brusden White.

During my 'collector period' of some 30 years I sought very fine used pre 1940 Australia in quantity, and so many CTO were inadvertently hoarded. There are still are few examples available in my store for anyone chasing these.