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Cocos Island

FIRST STAMPS Straits Settlements 1903.
FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 1963.

CURRENCY
1963, sterling.
1966, as Australia.

The islands, discovered by Captain Keeling in 1609, were settled in 1827 by a British subject, John Clunies-Ross, who was adopted as local ruler. In 1857 they were declared a British possession. Placed under the Ceylon government in 1876, they were transferred to the Straits Settlements in 1886 and incorporated with Singapore in 1903. From July 1942 to 3 April 1946 (with Singapore in Japanese hands) they were placed under Ceylon and a military administration. When Singapore became independent in 1955, they were transferred to Australia.

Used stamps of Straits Settlements 1933-7. Used stamps of Singapore 1952-5. Used stamps of Australia 1955-63. Used stamps of Australia 14 February 1966 - 8 July 1969 owing to change to decimal currency. Separate stamps resumed 9 July 1969.