New Issue: The Stamps of Queen Victoria (GB)

Royal Mail's final issue of 2025 - the sixteenth of the year! - will be a set commemorating the stamps of Queen Victoria. There is no obvious reason for this theme at this time and no anniversary that I can think of that might be being marked. So it's a bit of a strange choice, as there have been previous Royal Mail stamps covering this very theme - take a look below at the 1990 set and the 2015 set marking the 150th and 175th anniversaries of the Penny Black.

At least the 1990 issue showed a bit of creativity, which is more than can be said for the latest offering. I suppose it is looking at more than just the Penny Black, but it is surprisingly similar to a 1970 issue, marking Philympia, which was a large stamp exhibition:

I don't quite see what Royal Mail's purpose is unless it is to show how little stamp design has moved on in 55 years. Design Quality - It's quite minimalist but pretty effective. I think having a bit more white around the older stamp helps it, and the stamps are clear and uncluttered. However, is it really so different to the 1970 design? 4/10

Theme and Subject Choice - A fourth set on this theme seems unnecessary. A near-copy of a previous issue is particularly unimaginative. 3/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - I would say this would be high, except for the fact that it's been done several times before. 1/10

Innovation and Creativity - Royal Mail's website tells us that "each stamp features a reverse-side watermark reproduced from the original Victorian issue, adding a unique philatelic touch and historical authenticity to the set". This is a nice touch, but otherwise Royal Mail are basically copying a 55 year-old issue. 2/10

Collectability - Stamps on stamps is a theme that some people collect. Is it likely to be noticed here, especially when Christmas stamps are on sale in post offices? Will people get excited about yet another issue with pictures of Victorian stamps? Probably not. 3/10

Personal appeal - I don't find them very appealing. They have a nice, simple design but that is about all I can say about them that's positive. History should be exciting, but these are unforgivably boring. 2/10

Overall score - 15/60 These stamps will be released on 27th November, so this is a preview rather than a review. I don't think I will be buying them and don't feel sorry about giving them my lowest mark of the year.