China 'Red Revenue' Surcharge 1 Dollar

China · 1897 · 1 Dollar

This stamp is an overprint on a 3-cent Qing Dynasty revenue stamp. The original red revenue stamp was surcharged with a new value, in this case, '1 Dollar', to serve as a provisional postage stamp. The design features intricate patterns and a prominent dragon, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture.

Issued during the Qing Dynasty, the 'Red Revenue' stamps were created to meet an urgent need for new postage values following postal rate changes. Their limited printing and historical significance make them one of the most sought-after series in Chinese philately.