Taiwan (Formosa) First Issue

Taiwan · 1886 · 20 cash

This stamp is part of the first issue for Taiwan, then known as Formosa, under the Qing Dynasty. The design features a prominent dragon, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture, set against a background of waves and clouds. The denomination is expressed in cash, the currency of the time.

Issued in 1886 under the authority of Governor Liu Ming-chuan, these stamps were part of efforts to modernize Taiwan's infrastructure, including its postal system. They were used for only a short period before being replaced.