9 Candarins Manchu Qing Dynasty (Trial Proof)

China · 1897 · 9 candarins

The stamp features a majestic coiled dragon design, symbolizing imperial power, with the denomination '9 CANDARINS' at the bottom and 'IMPERIAL CHINESE POST' at the top in English and Chinese characters.

This trial proof represents the modernization efforts of the Qing Dynasty's postal service in the late 19th century, a period of significant political and social change in China before the fall of the empire.