India 1/2 Anna Blue, Lithographed
India · 1854 · 1/2 Anna
This stamp features a diademed profile portrait of Queen Victoria facing left, set within an ornamental rectangular frame. As India's first nationwide postage stamp, it was printed in blue by the Surveyor-General's Office in Calcutta. The design is simple yet iconic, marking the beginning of standardized postal services across British India.
Issued under the authority of the British East India Company, this stamp replaced various provincial postal systems with a uniform rate. It was a key instrument in unifying and administering the vast territories of British India.
Printing Method
Lithography
Catalog Numbers
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View on Wikimedia CommonsEstimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
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