Hong Kong Queen Victoria 96c Olive-Bistre

Hong Kong · 1865 · 96c

This definitive stamp features the diademed profile portrait of Queen Victoria, facing left, set within an ornate oval frame. The design, common to British colonial issues of the era, includes the country name 'HONG KONG' at the top and the denomination 'NINETY SIX CENTS' at the bottom. The olive-bistre color is characteristic of this specific high-value issue.

Issued during the early period of British colonial rule, this stamp was part of Hong Kong's first definitive series. The 96c value was primarily used for heavy letters and parcels on international mail routes, reflecting the colony's growing importance as a major trade and postal hub in Asia.