Canada 1/2d Black 'Small Queen'

Canada · 1882 · 1/2d

This definitive stamp, known as the 'Small Queen', features a left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria. The design is framed by an ornate oval with the denomination 'HALF CENT' at the bottom and 'CANADA POSTAGE' at the top. This was the lowest denomination in the series, primarily used for mailing newspapers and circulars.

The Small Queen issue was in use for over two decades, from 1870 to 1897, making it one of Canada's longest-running definitive series. This particular half-cent value was introduced later in the series to meet a new, lower postal rate.