New South Wales, Queen Victoria 'Diadem' Issue

Australia (New South Wales) · 1857 · 2d

This stamp features a right-facing portrait of Queen Victoria wearing her diadem, a design known as the 'Diadem' issue. The denomination 'TWO PENCE' is inscribed below the portrait, and 'NEW SOUTH WALES' is at the top. The design is enclosed within an intricate, engine-turned oval frame.

Issued by the colony of New South Wales before the federation of Australia in 1901, this stamp was part of a long-running definitive series. It represents the colonial postal system under British rule during the mid-19th century.