The first stamps used on Penrhyn were the issues of the Cook Islands from 1892. Although part of the Cook Islands, Penrhyn had a separate stamp issuing policy between 1902 and 1932. The first stamps were issued in 1902 – these being New Zealand stamps overprinted ‘Penrhyn Island’ and a new face value in the native language. In 1920 and 1927, two sets were issued inscribed ‘Penrhyn’. These sets are of the same design as concurrent issues for the Cook Islands as a whole, Aitutaki – also one of the Cook Islands with a separate postal administration – and Niue – a nearby atoll administered separately by New Zealand. Between 1932 and 1972, the stamps of the Cook Islands were used on Penrhyn. Penrhyn resumed a separate stamp issuing policy in 1973. The issues were aimed at the thematic collectors market. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, particularly, significant numbers of stamps were issued – since the late 1990’s, stamp production has been limited. The stamps of the Cook Islands remain valid on Penrhyn, while the issues of Penrhyn are valid only on the island itself. [source: StampWorldHistory]