India First Issue, Scinde Dawk, Red

Name: India First Issue, Scinde Dawk, Red
Brand: India

India · 1852 · 1/2 Anna

This is the first stamp issued in Asia, known as the 'Scinde Dawk'. The design features a simple circular shape with the denomination '1/2 ANNA' and the inscription 'SCINDE DISTRICT DAWK' surrounding a heart-like emblem of the British East India Company. It was embossed on red sealing wax wafers.

Issued in the Scinde (now Sindh) province under British rule, this stamp predates the first all-India issues by two years. It was used for the local postal system established by Sir Bartle Frere and is a landmark issue in Asian philately.

Printing Method

Typography

Themes

first-issue pre-stamp-era emblems

Catalog Numbers

sgS1

scottA1

michel1

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$100,000

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$75,000

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$50,000

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$25,000

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$10,000

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