Presentation Pack

A presentation pack is a special product issued on the day of issue of a new set of postage stamps in Great Britain and other countries. They contain a full set of mint stamps and are designed to show an insight into the issue by containing a card with explanatory text.

The packs were introduced in 1964, starting with the Shakespeare issue of that year. Early packs demand large sums of money, the "Opening of the Forth Road Bridge" issue of that year demanding a £380 catalogue value, in the 2006 Stanley Gibbons "Collect British Stamps" catalogue. Some packs with German text exist for 1968 and 1969 issues, as does a Japanese set for the Silver Wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

The text is often written by an expert in the field of the issue in question (for example the text for the Victoria Cross 150th anniversary issue in September 2006 will be written by Bernard Cornwell, author of the Sharpe novels). The text is usually the same as that inserted into the envelope of first day covers

Packs are now often issued for new definitive issues and miniature sheets, as well as commemorative issues