Deep dive into Royal Mail 2020 Star Trek Stamps
For fans of the final frontier and the art of philately, the Royal Mail's 2020 Star Trek stamps were a stellar event. Join me as I chart the course through this comprehensive collection. Take a closer look at the wonderful UK stamps released by Royal Mail on November 13, 2020. This marked the first comprehensive Star Trek stamp collection issued by the Royal Mail, offering a variety of formats to cater to different collecting preferences.
There were a total of 18 stamps in the main set, divided into two categories, all with a First Class denomination
Here is the breakdown of the stamps and related formats:
Set of 12 Character Stamps
A collection of 12 Star Trek stamps featuring illustrated portraits of iconic characters from across the decades. Each character appears against a backdrop featuring reflective details of their show in exclusively commissioned illustrations for Royal Mail. The set featured these Star Trek characters as portrayed by the following actors:
- James T. Kirk - William Shatner
- Jean-Luc Picard - Patrick Stewart
- Benjamin Sisko - Avery Brooks
- Kathryn Janeway - Kate Mulgrew
- Jonathan Archer - Scott Bakula
- Gabriel Lorca - Jason Isaacs
- Spock - Leonard Nimoy
- Deanna Troi - Marina Sirtis
- Julian Bashir - Alexander Siddig
- Malcolm Reed - Dominic Keating
- Michael Burnham - Sonequa Martin-Greene
- Ash Tyler - Shazad Latif
Star Trek Movies Stamp Sheet
The Star Trek: The Movies Miniature Sheet commemorated the big-screen blockbusters that have thrilled generations of sci-fi fans. Each of the six self-adhesive stamps featured a celebrated British actor in a scene from the Star Trek movie franchise:
- Montgomery Scott - Simon Pegg (Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond)
- Praetor Shinzon - Tom Hardy (Star Trek Nemesis)
- Tolian Soran - Malcolm McDowell (Star Trek Generations)
- Chancellor Gorkon - David Warner (Star Trek VI The Undiscovered Country)
- Carol Marcus - Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness)
- Krall - Idris Elba (Star Trek Beyond)
First Class Stamp Book:
First Class Stamp Book provided a user-friendly way to own a piece of the Star Trek collection.
This booklet held six self-adhesive First Class stamps, thoughtfully including the character
portraits of Captain Kirk and Captain Picard alongside four standard First Class stamps. It was
a simple yet effective way to bring the Star Trek universe to everyday mail.
Original price: £4.56
Presentation Pack:
The Presentation Pack provided an attractive and informative way to
acquire a significant portion of the Star Trek stamp release. Within its folded card design,
collectors would find a full mint set of the twelve character stamps, as well as the miniature
sheet dedicated to the movie actors. Enhancing the visual appeal were descriptive notes and
relevant imagery, offering insights into the characters and the design process. It served as a
well-rounded introduction to the collection and a lovely display piece
Original price: £14.80
Star Trek Captains Collector Sheet:
The Star Trek Captains Collector Sheet, was a visually striking tribute to the
leaders of Starfleet. This A4-sized sheet presented an iconic collection of ten self-adhesive
First Class stamps, each honoring a captain from the six Star Trek television series that have
captivated audiences for over half a century. Displayed beneath the official Star Trek logo and
set against a dramatic backdrop of space, each captain's stamp was accompanied by a
corresponding sticker depicting a memorable scene from their show, making it a wonderful
commemorative piece for fans.
Original price: £8.80
Star Trek Movies Stamp Set
The Star Trek Movies Stamp Set offered a visually appealing collection of six First Class
stamps, celebrating British actors' roles in the Star Trek films. The miniature sheet was
thoughtfully placed below the official Star Trek logo on a special carrier card. This card also
provided a nod to the franchise's origins, featuring artwork of key characters from the original
TV series on its reverse.
Original price: £4.96
Star Trek Characters Stamp Set
A superb collection of 12 Star Trek First Class Special Stamps presented in a specially designed
carrier inspired by the original series. Every Star Trek captain and more key characters from
all six principal TV series appear in this set of all 12 Star Trek First Class Special Stamps.
Each stamp character appears against a backdrop capturing reflective details of their show.
Original price: £9.45
Star Trek: The Next Generation Stamp Set
Celebrating the heart and mind of the USS Enterprise-D, the Star Trek: The Next Generation Stamp
Set featured two iconic characters. Marina Sirtis's Counselor Deanna Troi was depicted with
empathy, her portrait framed by a vibrant nebula and the ship she served on. Alongside her was a
distinguished portrait of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, embodied by Patrick Stewart, capturing his
intellect and leadership.
Original price: £7.90
Star Trek Deep Space Nine Stamp Set
Celebrating the characters at the heart of the 24th-century space station in Star Trek: Deep
Space Nine, this collectible stamp set featured Commander Benjamin Sisko and Chief Medical
Officer Julian Bashir. Each character was portrayed on five individual illustrated stamps,
presented together under the Star Trek logo on a specially designed carrier card, a fitting
homage to the unique dynamic of the series.
Original price: £7.90
Star Trek Voyager Stamp Set
Honoring Captain Kathryn Janeway, the pioneering first female lead captain in a Star Trek
series, the Star Trek Voyager Stamp Set included ten First Class Special Stamps. These stamps,
depicting Kate Mulgrew's iconic character, were presented on a carrier card that thoughtfully
featured a scene from the original Star Trek series on its back.
Original price: £7.90
Star Trek: Enterprise Stamp Set
Featuring the key characters of Captain Jonathan Archer and Commander Malcolm Reed, the Star
Trek: Enterprise Stamp Set comprised ten First Class Special Stamps. This official set paid
tribute to the Enterprise series, notable for being set in the 21st century and serving as a
prequel to the classic original Star Trek.
Original price: £7.90
Star Trek: Discovery Stamp Set
This Star Trek: Discovery Stamp Set provided a visual representation of key characters from the
series through specially commissioned illustrations. The set comprised a total of ten First
Class stamps, broken down into four depictions of Gabriel Lorca, three of Michael Burnham, and
three of Ash Tyler, all showcased on the front of a carrier card. The reverse of this card
offered a nostalgic link to the franchise's beginnings with an image from the original 1960s
show.
Original price: £7.90
Star Trek The Original Series Stamp Set
Honoring the trailblazing adventures of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, the Star Trek The Original
Series Stamp Set included five stamps of each beloved character. This character set's carrier
card also featured a classic scene with Kirk and Spock alongside Lieutenant Uhura on the
reverse, a fitting tribute to the series that launched the Star Trek universe.
Original price: £7.90
Prestige Stamp Book:
The Prestige Stamp Book was more than just a collection of stamps; it was a 24-page hardback
journey through the history of Star Trek. This meticulously crafted book housed a complete pane
of all twelve character stamps from the various television series, alongside the miniature sheet
showcasing the six movie character stamps. Adding a unique touch for collectors, it also
included a pane of four exclusive self-adhesive definitive stamps featuring the iconic Starfleet
delta symbol, all interwoven with informative text and captivating illustrations that brought
the Star Trek saga to life.
Original price: £18.80
Limited Edition Prestige Stamp Book
The Limited Edition Prestige Stamp Book represented a more exclusive iteration of the standard
edition. This 24-page full-colour publication, containing all the stamps from its counterpart,
featured a silver-foiled cover within a special folder showcasing the USS Enterprise NCC 1701. 1
A highlight was the exclusive lenticular certificate with a 3D transporting image of Kirk,
McCoy, and Spock from the original series. 2 With only 1,966 copies available globally - a
direct reference to the original series' launch year - this edition held significant collector
appeal.
Original price: £75.00
Star Trek The Ultimate Souvenir
This impressive Star Trek The Ultimate Souvenir provided a curated overview of the entire
commemorative stamp issue. Within its limited-edition souvenir folder, collectors found all
twelve Star Trek Special Stamps, celebrating key captains and crew from the six principal TV
series through exclusive illustrations that incorporated reflective elements of their respective
shows. The folder also housed the Star Trek: The Movies Miniature Sheet, which featured
photographic portraits of popular British actors in their roles from the Star Trek film
universe.
Original price: £24.99
Star Trek Half Sheet 1st Class Stamp x 30 - Six Captains
Dedicated to the commanding officers of Starfleet, the Star Trek Half Sheet 1st Class Stamp x 30
- Six Captains presented a set of thirty First Class stamps. Illustrated portraits of six
classic Star Trek captains were featured: James T. Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard, Benjamin Sisko,
Kathryn Janeway, Jonathan Archer, and Gabriel Lorca, all together on one convenient sheet.
Original price: £22.80
Star Trek Half Sheet 1st Class Stamp x 30 - Spock, Troi, Bashir, Reed, Burnham, Tyler
This Star Trek Half Sheet 1st Class Stamp x 30 presented a set of thirty First Class stamps
featuring a selection of iconic Starfleet figures. Illustrated portraits included the legendary
Spock, along with Deanna Troi, Julian Bashir, Malcolm Reed, Michael Burnham, and Ash Tyler,
offering a mix of personalities and roles from the franchise.
Original price: £22.80
Star Trek Full Sheet 1st Class Stamp x 60
Presenting a comprehensive array of First Class postage, the Star Trek Full Sheet 1st Class Stamp
x 60 - Six Captains featured sixty stamps with illustrated portraits of six celebrated Star Trek
captains: James T. Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard, Benjamin Sisko, Kathryn Janeway, Jonathan Archer, and
Gabriel Lorca, perfect for both everyday mailing needs and dedicated collectors.
Original price: £45.60
Star Trek Full Sheet 1st Class Stamp x 60
The Star Trek Full Sheet 1st Class Stamp x 60 provided a significant number of First Class
stamps adorned with illustrations of key Starfleet figures beyond the captains. This sheet of
sixty featured Spock, Deanna Troi, Julian Bashir, Malcolm Reed, Michael Burnham, and Ash Tyler,
offering both a practical solution for mailing needs and a substantial collectible for fans of
these important characters.
Original price: £45.60
Star Trek Movies Press Sheet
The Star Trek Movies Press Sheet represented an exceptional and highly collectible item for the
serious philatelist and Star Trek enthusiast. This impressive sheet showcased 24 complete Star
Trek: The Movies Miniature Sheets, essentially as they came off the printing press. Each of
these miniature sheets featured the set of six stamps celebrating British actors in their
various roles across the Star Trek film series, making this a truly unique and desirable
keepsake.
Original price: £120.38
Star Trek Silver Medal and TV Characters Stamps
The Star Trek Silver Medal and TV Characters Stamps represented a high-quality collectible
marrying the worlds of philately and numismatics. Issued in a limited edition of just 1,000,
each souvenir featured a silver proof medal struck by The Royal Mint, showcasing the iconic
original Starship Enterprise on its obverse and the Starfleet delta insignia on its reverse.
Accompanying this exquisite medal were all twelve Star Trek Special Stamps, each cancelled with
the 'Kirk, Wick' postmark, alongside an informative card filled with images and stories
celebrating the groundbreaking original 1960s series - the foundation for over five decades of
Star Trek adventures, including the more recent Picard.
Original price: £85.00
Star Trek Silver Medal and Movies Stamp Sheet
This exclusive collectible, the Star Trek Silver Medal and Movies Stamp Sheet, was a limited
release of just 1,000 individually numbered editions. It paired a beautifully crafted silver
proof medal from The Royal Mint, featuring the USS Enterprise and the 'Live long and prosper'
inscription, with the miniature sheet of six stamps celebrating the contributions of British
actors to the Star Trek film franchise. The stamps on the miniature sheet were specially
cancelled with an 'Enterprise Park, Sleaford' postmark, and a vibrant insert offered details
about all thirteen Star Trek films.
Original price: £85.00
Star Trek First Day Envelope
The First Day Envelope from the Star Trek collection celebrating the hit TV series and
blockbuster movies.
The Star Trek collection's title is set within a scene from the original series showing the
Constitution-class Starship U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.
Original price: £0.30
Star Trek Stamp Set First Day Covers
Royal Mail's First Day Covers for their 2020 Star Trek collection were designed as special
commemorative items. Several variations were available, including those featuring the full set
of twelve character stamps and others showcasing the miniature sheet of six movie-themed stamps.
Additionally, there was a First Day Cover that presented a pane of standard definitive stamps
alongside the unique Starfleet delta symbol stamps. These FDCs served as official keepsakes
marking the release of this comprehensive Star Trek stamp issue and were postmarked with either
the "Beambridge, Craven Arms" or the "Tallents House, Edinburgh" First Day of Issue postmark.
Original price: £11.60, £6.15, £4.85
Postcards
For those who appreciated the visual elements of the Royal Mail's Star Trek collection, a set of
nineteen postcards was available. Ideal for display or adding to a collection, this set
reproduced all the artwork and photography from the twelve individual character stamps and the
six stamps on the Star Trek: The Movies Stamp Sheet. Completing the set was a postcard that
presented a combined view of the entire movie miniature sheet.Perfect for collecting, framing or
posting, this set of 19 Star Trek postcards collects the
illustrations and photographs from Royal Mail's Special Stamps and Miniature Sheet.
The postcard set featured artwork from the 12 Star Trek Special Stamps, six from the Star Trek:
The Movies Stamp Sheet, plus a composite image of the Stamp Sheet itself.
Original price: £8.55
Star Trek Framed Captain's Collector Sheet
For those seeking ready-to-display collectibles, Royal Mail also offered framed versions of their
Star Trek stamps. The Star Trek Framed Captain's Collector Sheet presented the stamps
of iconic captains from all six TV series, professionally mounted and framed. The stamps were
displayed on a specially designed carrier card featuring the official Star Trek logo.
Additionally, individual Framed Stamps and the Framed
Miniature Sheet of movie character stamps were available, offering fans the opportunity to
showcase their favorite characters or the movie collection in an elegant, ready-to-hang format.
These framed options provided a sophisticated way to celebrate the Star Trek universe.
Original price: £29.99
Star Trek Framed Enlarged Print
The Star Trek Framed Enlarged Print provided a striking visual representation of three pivotal figures in the Star Trek universe: Kirk, Spock, and Picard. These enlarged print illustrations were elegantly presented within a black ash-effect frame. With a limited edition of just 470 pieces available, this artwork offered a unique way to celebrate these iconic characters. Original price: £69.99
The sheer variety of formats, from individual stamps to elaborate souvenir sets, ensured there
was something for every level of Star Trek and philatelic enthusiast.
To further generate excitement and promote the release, Royal Mail engaged with the Star
Trek
community and even the actors themselves. For instance, actress Marina Sirtis, who
famously
portrayed Counselor Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation, was photographed
holding
a
large-scale replica of the stamp featuring her character.
This visual highlight served both to celebrate Deanna Troi's inclusion in the collection and act
as a delightful piece of promotional content, creating a direct connection
between the beloved actors and the commemorative stamps.
In conclusion, these UK Star Trek stamps released by Royal Mail in 2020 hold a special place in my collection, and I'm thrilled to own them in multiple formats. Royal Mail truly captured the essence of this iconic franchise with this comprehensive and thoughtfully designed issue. From the carefully chosen characters to the diverse range of collectibles, it was a fitting tribute to the Star Trek universe. I hope that Royal Mail will revisit this beloved franchise in the future, boldly going where no stamp issuer has gone before, and adding even more captivating Star Trek stamps to delight collectors and fans alike.
Check out other Star Trek articles in the blog section.