King Edward VII, Ross Dependency

New Zealand · 1908 · 1d

This stamp features a portrait of King Edward VII, overprinted with 'VICTORIA LAND' in two lines. It was issued for use by the British Antarctic Expedition led by Ernest Shackleton. The base stamp is a regular New Zealand issue, adapted specifically for postal use from the first post office established on the Antarctic continent.

Issued for the 1908 Nimrod Expedition, this was the first stamp specifically created for use in Antarctica, marking the beginning of polar philately. It was used at the post office at Cape Royds in the Ross Dependency.