1975 New Zealand Definitives - Roses 28.11.1975

Another delightful first day cover from my dear friend Maria. Roses, which are very popular in New Zealand and grow particularly well, were chosen as the subject of a new Definitive stamp issue in 1975. They were issued on 26th November 1975.

The rose has long been the most popular flower and references to its beauty can be found far back in history.  In those far gone days it blossomed in the wild as a simple flower of five petals only; from those original species the creations of the present day have evolved - through natural cross fertilisation and selective breeding by hybridists. The stamps are: 1c Sterling Silver, 2c Lilli Marlene, 3c Queen Elizabeth, 4c Super Star, 5c Diamond Jubilee, 6cCresset, 7c Michele Meilland, 8c Josephine Bruce and the 9c Iceberg. The names are quaint aren't they?

Roses 8.3.2013

A 1st class stamp suitable for congratulation cards was issued on 8^th March 2013. The theme was inspired by the traditional dark red granny’s rose. Designed by the renowned postage stamp artist Kaarina Toivanen, the Roses stamp is traditional and modern at the same time. It is a close-up of two rose blossoms on a rose branch with water droplets on the petals.

Thank you Dear Ella for this lovely First Day Cover.