British South Africa Company Coat of Arms

Rhodesia · 1892 · 1/2d

This definitive stamp features the coat of arms of the British South Africa Company (BSAC). The design includes a lion holding an elephant's tusk, set against a shield with oxen, and is inscribed 'BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA COMPANY'. This was the first postage stamp issued for the territory administered by the company.

Issued in 1892, this stamp marks the beginning of postal services in the territory that would later become Southern Rhodesia and eventually Zimbabwe. The BSAC, led by Cecil Rhodes, administered this region under a royal charter from the British government.