United Kingdom 1952-1964 Queen Elizabeth II 'Wilding' Definitives

United Kingdom · 1952 · Various (½d to 1s 6d)

This definitive series features a three-quarter portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, based on a photograph by Dorothy Wilding. The design is framed by national floral emblems: the Tudor rose for England, the thistle for Scotland, the shamrock for Northern Ireland, and the daffodil for Wales. These stamps, known as the 'Wildings', were the first definitive issue of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and came in a wide range of colors and denominations.

Issued shortly after her accession to the throne in 1952, the Wilding series marked the beginning of the second Elizabethan era in British postage. They remained in common use for over a decade until being replaced by the Machin series.