Canada 1851 3d 'Beaver' on Laid Paper

Canada · 1851 · 3d (Three Pence)

This stamp, known as the 'Three-Pence Beaver', was designed by Sir Sandford Fleming and is considered the first postage stamp of the Province of Canada. The central design features a beaver building a dam in a detailed natural setting, framed by the British crown and national floral emblems (rose, thistle, shamrock). The denomination 'THREE PENCE' is inscribed at the bottom.

Issued in 1851, this stamp marked the transfer of postal authority from the British General Post Office to the Province of Canada, symbolizing a step towards Canadian self-governance.