Guest Author - Karyn Johnson

Beatles fans all over the world might be interested to know that Royal Mail is now selling its 2007 issue Beatles stamps. There are six stamps in all, each one representing an album cover: Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Let It Be, With the Beatles, Help!, and Revolver. This is the first-ever series of Beatles stamps, and it is projected that these will be one of Royal Mail's biggest sellers.

Of course, dozens of other countries have already included the Beatles on their stamps. Why did it take Great Britain so long? Until last year, the only living people who were allowed to be featured on stamps were members of the Royal Family. Of course, John Lennon and George Harrison are no longer here, but since Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are still alive, they could not be featured on a stamp until now.

The stamps were released on January 9th, but were launched the day before in the Beatles' hometown of Liverpool. So far, they are far outselling last year's record-setting commemorative stamp issued for Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday. They are on track to becoming Royal Mail's best selling issue internationally.

The stamps are being sold in two sizes, standard and miniature, which has never been done before by Royal Mail. The Johnson Banks design studio in London is responsible for the look of the stamps.

Canada, the United States, and Japan in particular are showing great interest in these stamps. Canada Post is now selling them in their branch offices, which is the first time that Royal Mail issued stamps have been sold through a postal service outside Great Britain. As of January 16, the New Zealand Post is making them available online.

To purchase:

* In Great Britain - Royal Mail
* In Canada - available at branch offices
* In New Zealand - New Zealand Post (available online only)
* For all other purchases, and for further information, see Beatles-Stamp.com