very rarepre-1900

Japan 1871 48 Mon Brown, Dragon Issue

Name: Japan 1871 48 Mon Brown, Dragon Issue
Brand: Japan

Japan · 1871 · 48 Mon

This is the first postage stamp issued by Japan, part of the inaugural 'Dragon' series. The design features a stylized dragon facing left within a decorative border, with the denomination '四十八文' (48 Mon) inscribed at the top. The stamp is hand-engraved and typographed on native, thin wove paper.

Issued during the Meiji Restoration, these stamps represent Japan's modernization and the establishment of a national postal system, replacing the centuries-old courier system.

Printing Method

Typography

Themes

dragons mythology classic-stamps

Catalog Numbers

sg1

scott1

michel1

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$1,500

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$1,000

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$650

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$300

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$100

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