STAMPS OF St.HELENA

QUEEN VICTORIA

St.Helena first issued stamps in 1856. The first issue was the 6d blue issued on 1st January. The stamp was imperforate.

Imperforate 1856 6d

This was the only issue until April 1861 when the stamp was issued in perforated form both rough and clean-cut.

1861 early perforate versions

From 1864 until 1890 further values were issued by simply issuing the 6d stamp in various colours and surcharging them with the value of the stamp in words and blanking out the sixpence with a black bar. The 2½d value was slightly different in that figures were used instead.

Range of surcharges including the new 6d grey

In1890 7 values of the Queen Victoria standard design used for many of the Crown colonies appeared. Values ranging from ½d to 10d were issued.

 

1890-1897 definitives showing ½d and 1d values

Some values of both designs were sold as reminders in 1904 cancelled with a violet diamond handstamp. This handstamp can be easily removed and some of these stamps have been cancelled with a forged postmark. These stamps cannot be described as used and are virtually valueless.

1/- value showing violet cancellation

FURTHER PAGES

• Edward VII 1901-1910
• George V 1911-1936
• George VI 1936-1952
• Elizabeth II 1952-1977
• Elizabeth II 1977-2000
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