There are several British Commonwealth countries that have always issued stamps with no regard for the Crown Agents traditions and issuing policy. Countries such as Australia and the Transvaal are examples of this. These are countries that have always placed their own history and ethnology first when designing their stamps and philatelists have rewarded this independence with great popularity. Perhaps foremost in this regard is Papua New Guinea. The island nation has many interesting stamps and is greatly specialized in, especially the Lakatoi issues which come in many shades and printings. The 1920s set pictured above has always been a favorite. Showing scenes from the islands, they are exotic and beautifully engaved, true little pieces of art.
