Date of Issue : 20 May 2002
Postmark : Dili
Denomination : 25c, 50c, US$1.00 and US$2.00
Stamp Size : 40.3 mm x 30 mm
Paper : Tullis Russell, Red Phosphor
Printing Process : Lithography
East Timor, or Timor-Leste, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, celebrated its independence as a new nation on 20 May 2002. It became the first sovereign state of the 21st century. This set of four stamps is the first stamp issue for this new nation, and it reflects the spirit and culture of the East Timor community. The stamps feature the traditional crocodile (25c), ceremonial palm fronds (50c), coffee harvest (US$1.00) and East Timor's flag (US$2.00).
Australia Post produced and marketed above first stamps as a gesture of friendship and goodwill to the East Timorese People. Australia Post bore the costs of design, production and distribution, while all proceeds go to the government of East Timor.