Queen Victoria, 1/2 Anna Blue

India · 1854 · 1/2 Anna

This stamp features a diademed profile portrait of Queen Victoria facing left, set within an ornamental rectangular frame. As the first stamp issued for all of India, its design established a template for subsequent Victorian-era issues. The denomination of 'HALF ANNA' is inscribed at the bottom.

Issued in 1854, this was the first stamp for general use throughout British India, replacing earlier regional issues like the Scinde Dawk. It marked a major step in standardizing the postal system across the subcontinent under the East India Company's administration.