New Zealand Queen Victoria 'Chalon Head' Postage Stamp

New Zealand · 1855 · 1d

This stamp features the iconic 'Chalon Head' portrait of a young Queen Victoria, based on a painting by Alfred Edward Chalon. The design is notable for its intricate engraving and lack of perforations, requiring it to be cut from the sheet by hand. It was printed in London on blued paper without a watermark.

Issued in 1855, this was New Zealand's first postage stamp, marking the beginning of its postal history as a self-governing colony. The 'Chalon Head' design would be used for New Zealand's definitive stamps for nearly two decades.