Dominica 1/2d on 1 Shilling Overprint Error

Dominica · 1886 · 1/2d on 1s

This stamp features a portrait of Queen Victoria, originally issued as a 1 shilling lilac stamp. It was later surcharged with a new value of 'HALF-PENNY' in black ink. This particular example is a notable error where the surcharge was applied to the wrong stamp, the 1 shilling lilac, instead of the intended 6 pence stamp.

In the late 19th century, British colonies like Dominica often surcharged existing stamp stocks to meet new postal rate requirements or address shortages of specific denominations. Errors like this are highly sought after by collectors as they represent a fascinating breakdown in the printing process.