1888 Great Britain Halfpenny I.R. Official Overprint

United Kingdom · 1888 · Halfpenny

This stamp features the classic Queen Victoria profile, characteristic of British definitive issues of the era, with the denomination 'HALF PENNY' at the bottom. It is distinguished by the 'I.R. OFFICIAL' overprint, indicating its use for official government mail.

Issued in 1888, this stamp was part of a series of 'Official' stamps created for use by various government departments, specifically the Inland Revenue (I.R.). The overprint was intended to prevent the misuse of regular postage stamps for official correspondence and to control departmental expenditure on mail.