Malta, 1860 Queen Victoria Halfpenny Stamp

Malta · 1860 · ½d

This stamp features the diademed profile of Queen Victoria, a design by Jean Ferdinand Joubert de la Ferté based on a portrait by William Wyon. Known as the 'Halfpenny Yellow', it was Malta's first postage stamp. The design is simple and elegant, with the monarch's effigy framed by an ornate border and the country name 'MALTA' at the top.

Issued under British rule, this stamp marked Malta's entry into the postal system of the British Empire. It was the only stamp issued by Malta for over two decades, used for local postage until 1885.