Queen Victoria, First Issue

Name: Queen Victoria, First Issue
Brand: India

India · 1854 · 1/2 Anna

This stamp is from the first issue of British India, featuring a youthful portrait of Queen Victoria. The design is simple, with the Queen's effigy facing left, framed by an ornate pattern, with the denomination 'HALF ANNA' below and 'INDIA' at the top. It was printed in a distinctive blue color.

Issued in 1854, this was India's first stamp for nationwide use, replacing the earlier Scinde Dawk issues. It marks the beginning of a standardized postal system under British rule, printed by the Survey of India offices in Calcutta.

Printing Method

Lithography

Themes

royalty queen-victoria heads-of-state classic-era

Catalog Numbers

sg1

scott1

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$150

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$100

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$60

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$30

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$10

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.