Three Pence Beaver, First Postage Stamp of Canada

Canada · 1851 · 3d (Three Pence)

This stamp, known as the 'Three Pence Beaver', was the first postage stamp issued by the Province of Canada. The design, created by Sir Sandford Fleming, features a beaver building a dam near a waterfall, an iconic symbol of Canadian industry and sovereignty. The beaver is enclosed in an oval frame, with Queen Victoria's crown at the top and the denomination 'THREE PENCE' below.

Issued in 1851, this stamp marked the transfer of postal system control from the British General Post Office to the colonial authorities of the Province of Canada. It is considered a classic of world philately.