Japan 1871 500 Mon Dragon Inverted Center

Japan · 1871 · 500 Mon

This is the first stamp issued by Japan, part of the 'Dragon' series. The design features a stylized dragon at its center, a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, surrounded by intricate patterns. This particular stamp is a famous error where the central dragon vignette was printed upside down in relation to the frame.

Issued during the Meiji Restoration, this stamp represents Japan's rapid modernization and the establishment of a national postal system. The inverted center error is one of the most celebrated rarities in all of philately.