60th anniversary of Queen's Coronation commemorated with new stamp - 2012 portrait painted by artist Phil Richards used for stamp design

OTTAWA, May 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada Post will mark the 60^th anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II with a new commemorative stamp. The stamp, unveiled this morning by his Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, depicts The Queen's deep connection to Canada - from the Queen's display of her Canadian honours to the presence of the Canadian flag. Her hand also rests near a copy of the British North America Act from 1867. The portrait featured on the stamp was painted by noted Canadian artist Phil Richards on the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and was unveiled in London on June 6, 2012. The portrait now hangs at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

"Queen Elizabeth's dedication to her role and her relationship with this country make this stamp a fitting tribute," says Mr. Paul Calandra, Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

"The diamond anniversary of her Coronation is an occasion deserving of a special issue and the painting by Canadian artist Phil Richards offers a beautiful depiction of this remarkable monarch," says Deepak Chopra, President and CEO of Canada Post.

Although Queen Elizabeth II assumed the throne in February 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI, her Coronation did not take place until June 2, 1953. Canada Post has issued 69 stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth II during her 60-year reign as Queen of Canada.

About the stamp
The Coronation stamps measure 32.25 mm x 39.75 mm with simulated perforations. The Permanent™ domestic stamps are printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company on Tullis Russell paper using five-colour lithography. The stamps are pressure sensitive and the Official First Day Cover will feature a cancel from Ottawa. Some 3.5 million stamps featuring the 60^th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation have been produced and are sold in booklets of 10. Also available is a philatelic numismatic cover and "Celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee" - a collector's edition DVD. To download an image of the stamp, please click here. To purchase philatelic products, visit canadapost.ca/shop.

SOURCE: Canada Post