New Zealand 1855 Chalon Head Imperforate

Name: New Zealand 1855 Chalon Head Imperforate
Brand: New Zealand

New Zealand · 1855 · 1d

This is New Zealand's first postage stamp, featuring the 'Chalon Head' portrait of Queen Victoria. The design is based on a painting by Alfred Edward Chalon, depicting the Queen in her coronation robes. This imperforate issue was printed in London by Perkins Bacon on blued paper.

Issued in 1855, this stamp marks the beginning of New Zealand's postal history, replacing the system of cash payments for mail. The 'Full Face Queens' or 'Chalon Heads' were used for several decades.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

royalty queen-victoria chalon-head classic-philately

Catalog Numbers

sg1

scott1

Image: · License:

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$15,000

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$10,000

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$6,500

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$3,000

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$800

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.