Nigeria Seebeck Issue, 1892

Nigeria · 1892 · 1/2d

This stamp features a left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria in a diadem, set within an ornate oval frame. The design is typical of British colonial issues of the period, with the country name 'NIGERIA' inscribed at the top and the denomination 'HALF PENNY' at the bottom. The corners are adorned with intricate scrollwork.

This is one of the controversial 'Seebeck issues', printed by the Hamilton Bank Note Company for several Latin American countries and British colonies. The arrangement allowed for new stamp designs annually, with remainders and printing plates returned to the company, which then sold reprints to the philatelic market, leading to their widespread availability.