The End Of A Era

The end of the Machin

For most every Machin collector that I know they are not only sad at the passing of our long reigning Monarch but some are also saddened because eventually it will also be the end of the long running Machin design that has graced our definitive stamps since 1967. Others will be happy as the new barcoded stamps did not meet everyone's approval. In Fact a lot of collectors had already drawn a line under their collections when the new bar coded designs were issued. 

What next for the Machin?

Royal Mail have already released a short statement.

 Following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Mail has confirmed "stamps bearing the image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II remain valid for use". 

It has not been said, but with the recent cross over to bar coded stamps (a very large print run) we can still expect Machins to be sold or exchanged for the considerable future. When the old style Machins are withdrawn in January 23 you can still expect them to be exchanged well into 2023 or even 2024. Eventually they may even start to exchange them for definitivves bearing the image of Charles III. I am only guessing here but with the passing of our queen I envisage for some it will mark the end of collecting new issues stamps completely. It may generate a breed of collector starting off with a completely new collection of stamps bearing the image of Charles III. Sadly it will not be designed by Arnold Machin.

"Further announcements by Royal Mail will be made in the future"  

God save the King