Honoring Living People With Stamps



Australia Post, unlike the United States Postal Service, permits its stamps to depict living people.

Four stamps issued on January 26th (Australia Day) honor four of the country's newest "Australian Legends." All four are Hollywood film stars.

Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush each now have a stamp that features their likeness, issued in honor of their contribution to Australian culture and entertainment.

The postal authorities of some countries produce stamps that feature living celebrities as a means of tapping into their popular appeal and increasing stamp sales. But from an American perspective, it's odd to see.