Australia Second Issue : 2012 London Olympic Games

This issue is the second of three being released for the Games of the XXX Olympiad (27 July-12 August 2012) in London.

This issue, which carries the symbol of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), commemorates the performances of Australia's athletes at the Olympic Games. Represented on the stamps is the sport of Rowing, discipline of Swimming and event of Pole Vault. These subjects are indicative of Australian athletes' strengths at past Olympic Games: historically most medals won by Australian athletes have been in Swimming, Athletics, Cycling and Rowing.

The Australian Olympic team athletes have always been most successful in the pool, as indicated by their 168 Olympic medals, including 56 gold. Australia's fi rst Olympic swimmer was Fredrick ‘Freddy' Lane, who won two gold medals in 1900 in Paris. In the 1950s and 60s, swimmers such as Murray Rose, Dawn Fraser, Lorraine Crapp and Jon Konrads became household names.

Issue highlights
The postal and numismatic cover for this issue uses three coins released by The Perth Mint. Each of the $1 Aluminium Bronze coins is legal tender.

Technical details

Issue date: 17 July 2012

Issue withdrawal date: 31 January 2013

FDI withdrawal date: 15 August 2012

Denominations: 1 x 60c, 1 x $1.60, 1 x $2.35

Stamp design: Johnathan Chong

Product design: Sharon Rodziewicz

Printer: McKellar Renown

Paper - gummed: Tullis Russell

Paper - self-adhesive: B90 and B100

Printing process: Lithography

Stamp size: 37.5mm x 26mm

Minisheet size: 135mm x 72mm

Perforations: 14.6 x 13.86

Sheet layout: Module of 50

National postmark: Wembley, WA 6014