Japan Old Koban Series, 10 Sen Blue

Japan · 1875 · 10 Sen

This stamp is part of the first definitive 'Old Koban' series, featuring an intricate design by Italian engraver Edoardo Chiossone. The central oval contains the denomination in Japanese characters, surrounded by a complex pattern of lines and cherry blossoms, with the Imperial Chrysanthemum crest at the top. The design was intended to be difficult to counterfeit.

Issued during the Meiji Restoration, this series replaced earlier hand-engraved stamps and represented Japan's modernization and adoption of Western printing technologies. The Koban series was Japan's primary postage for over two decades.