Malta Halfpenny Yellow, Queen Victoria

Malta · 1860 · ½d

This stamp, known as the 'Halfpenny Yellow', was the first postage stamp issued by Malta under British rule. It features a right-facing portrait of Queen Victoria, based on the 'Chalon Head' design by Alfred Edward Chalon, set within an octagonal frame. The design is simple, with the country name 'MALTA' at the top and the denomination 'HALF PENNY' at the bottom.

Issued in 1860, this stamp marks the beginning of Malta's postal history as a distinct entity within the British Empire. It was used for local postage for over two decades before a full set of definitive stamps was introduced.