Scenes from Tristan da Cunha - Coast
Issue date: 16th February 2026
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| Mint Stamps (65p, £1.00, £2.00, £2.50) and First Day Cover | Shop > |
On Tristan da Cunha, the boundary between land and sea defines daily life. Sheer cliffs drop into the South Atlantic, offshore stacks stand fast against the swell, and sandy beaches offer rare access points to the vast ocean that surrounds the island. In the course of a few hours, these coastal landscapes can go from calm to angry and back again, providing an ever-changing view of Tristan's dramatic coastline.
The new "Coast" stamp issue explores this relationship through a series of perspectives taken from around the island's northern and western shores. Hillpiece, the Hardies, Flatrocks: landmarks that are as familiar as they are formidable
Description of the Stamps
65p - The Hillpiece and the Sea Stacks
This stamp is centred on the distinctive sea stack with the Hillpiece behind it, rising above the coast. Isolated rock formations like this, carved by wind and wave, are a reminder of the awesome power of the ocean. Forever battered by pounding breakers, the stacks and rocks that surround the island form a stark and enduring feature of Tristan da Cunha's rugged coastal landscape.
£1.00 - The Hillpiece and Boatharbour Bay
This stamp depicts two sea stacks jutting from the coastline, looking towards Hillpiece and Boatharbour Bay. The grassy slopes of the Hillpiece fall sharply to the sea, giving way to exposed rock and cliff faces. As the land gradually recedes to the north-east, the view is oriented in the direction of the Settlement, highlighting the dramatic coastal relief that characterises this part of Tristan da Cunha.
£2.00 - Looking towards Flatrocks and The Hardies
This stamp presents a view along the coastline towards Flatrocks and The Hardies, low-lying rocky formations continually affected by Atlantic seas. Long familiar to islanders as coastal landmarks, these features are closely associated with the changing sea conditions offshore. The composition emphasises the layered textures of rock, surf, and sky that characterise Tristan da Cunha's exposed shoreline.
£2.50 - Aerial View of the Settlement of Edinburgh
Seen from above, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas lies between the ocean and the steep cliffs behind. The layout of the Settlement contrasts sharply with the surrounding cliffs and open water, underscoring how tightly the community is framed by its environment. The aerial perspective offers a rare overview of Tristan's only village and its relationship to the coast.
FDC - Runaway Beach towards Flatrocks
The First Day Cover depicts Runaway Beach, looking along the coastline towards Flatrocks. As much of Tristan's coastline is made up of rocky shores and sheer cliffs, areas of sand are rare and especially valued. Runaway Beach is therefore one of the island's most popular beaches, particularly for picnics and swimming during time off work.
Technical Specifications
| Photography: | Nick Schönfeld (65p, £1, £2 & £2.50) and Julia Gunther (FDC) | ||
| Design: | Bee Design | Stamp size: | 50 x 28mm |
| Printer: | Cartor | Perforation: | 14½ x 14&fract14; per 2cms |
| Process: | Stochastic Lithography | Layout: | 10 |
| Production Co-ordination: | Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd | ||