New Zealand 1855 Chalon Head Full Face Queen

New Zealand · 1855 · 1d

This is the first postage stamp issued by the Crown Colony of New Zealand. The design features a full-face portrait of Queen Victoria, based on a painting by Alfred Edward Chalon from 1837. Known as the 'Chalon Head' or 'Full Face Queen', this classic design was also used by several other British colonies.

Issued in 1855, this stamp marks the beginning of New Zealand's postal history, printed locally in Auckland after initial plates were prepared in London. It represents the colony's establishment of its own postal system under British rule.