+ Issue Date : 04/09/1955
+ Classification : Postage Stamp
+ Emission : Definitive / General Issue
+ Designer : C.A. Gibson-Hill
+ Watermark : Multiple Script CA
+ Separations : Normal Perforations
+ Gum Type : Gum
+ Shape : Rectangular
Queen Elizabeth's coronation issue produced the last common design stamp which Singapore issued together with other British Colonies. It also meant a new definitve set was needed. In fact, a new defintive set was being prepared with the King's head but the untimely passing of King George VI made it necessary to feature the next monarch - Queen Elizabeth II who graced the stamp, finally issued in 1955. This was a beautiful set featuring principally seacrafts in view of Singapore's importance as a major sea-port and trading centre. As if the designer foresaw Singapore becoming a major aviation hub twenty years later, the 25¢ value depicted an "Argonaut" aircraft. The orginal design was that of a "Comet" aircraft but the series of aircrashes involving that name of aircraft necessitated a change in design. The lower values were printed by photogravure and the three top values by the recess method. Many printing plates were used for the lower values but only two for the recess printed stamps. There were several printings which could be distinguished by the paper, shades and the intensity of the background.
