Ceylon 4 Pence Dull Rose, Queen Victoria Imperforate

Ceylon · 1857 · 4d (Four Pence)

This stamp features the Chalon Head portrait of a young Queen Victoria, facing left, within an octagonal frame. It was printed on blued paper and issued imperforate, meaning it had to be cut from the sheet with scissors. This was the first postage stamp issued by the British colony of Ceylon.

Issued during the height of the British Empire, this stamp represents the extension of the British postal system, pioneered by the Penny Black, to its colonies. It facilitated communication and trade within Ceylon and across the Empire.