Machin definitive series
Also known as: Machin head
Record status
Individual type · research required
Period
From 1967
Issuing entity
United KingdomThe Machin definitive series was the primary definitive postage stamp issue of the United Kingdom for the majority of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, spanning from 5 June 1967 until 4 April 2022. Designed by Arnold Machin, the basic design features a sculpted bas-relief profile of the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem accompanied solely by the stamp's denomination, typically set against a solid, single-colour background without the country's name.
Throughout its five decades of continuous issue, the series reflected numerous changes and innovations in British stamp production. Despite its minimalist visual concept, thousands of varieties exist across different printing methods, perforations, papers, gums, phosphor bands, and specialised security features.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Selected by the Stamp Advisory Committee, Arnold Machin developed the final design from clay and plaster sculptures photographed by Harrison and Sons. First issued in 1967, the series spanned pre-decimal and decimal currency eras and was produced by multiple printers including Harrison and Sons, Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, The House of Questa, and Waddingtons Security Print. Proposals to replace the effigy were rejected by the Queen herself, keeping the design in regular use until months before her death in 2022.
Identification
- Recognition pointers (from background sources)
- Look for Arnold Machin's sculpted profile bust of Elizabeth II facing left wearing the George IV State Diadem with a corsage at the neck, devoid of any country name. Inspect the vertical sides for elliptical security perforations introduced from 1993, and check self-adhesive issues from 2009 onward for continuous iridescent 'ROYAL MAIL' text and ellipsoidal shear panels.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Catalogue numbers for individual values and printings must be transcribed from a verified edition
- Phosphor band and gum varieties need a specialist reference