The Rarest and Most Valuable New Zealand Stamps
The history of New Zealand Post (NZ Post, Māori: Tukurau Aotearoa) dates back to the first half of the 19th century. At that time, there were no official post offices in New Zealand, and “the first whalers, missionaries, and traders had to rely on occasional passing ships for inwards and outwards communications” (NZ Post).
“In 1840, the first official Post Office in New Zealand was opened at Kororareka, when Captain Hobson, the newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor, arrived in the Bay of Islands and appointed William Clayton Hayes as Clerk to the Bench of Magistrates and Postmaster. Within six months, Hayes was suspended from duty—the first civil servant to incur this penalty in New Zealand—for neglect of duty and continual inebriety.
When New Zealand was established as a Crown Colony independent of New South Wales in 1841, HM Treasury in London, unaware that Captain Hobson had already created a Post Office under his control, issued a Warrant establishing the Post Office in New Zealand under British Post Office control. Change of control did not, in fact, take place until some 18 months later, and was returned to Colonial control again in 1850.” (NZ Post)
Therefore, we can see that the actual history of New Zealand Post starts in the 1840s, and it starts functioning more efficiently in the 1850s.
1. 1847 “Full Face Queens”
- Description: These are New Zealand’s first stamps, depicting Queen Victoria with a full face.
- Details: The first issue includes denominations of 1 penny (red), 2 pence (blue), and later, 1 shilling (green). They were engraved by William Humphrys in England and printed by Perkins, Bacon & Co.
- Rarity: Very rare, especially in mint condition or on original cover.
2. 1855-1873 “Chalon Heads”
- Description: These stamps also feature Queen Victoria, based on a painting by Alfred Chalon.
- Details: Multiple printings and variations exist, including the London printings and later the local New Zealand printings.
- Rarity: Some variations, especially the early printings and specific color errors, are highly prized.
3. 1906 Christchurch Exhibition Issue
- Description: Issued to commemorate the New Zealand International Exhibition held in Christchurch.
- Details: The set includes ½d, 1d, 3d, 6d, and 1s stamps. The designs feature local scenes and the exhibition buildings.
- Rarity: The 1s stamp, in particular, is rare, especially in mint condition.
4. 1949 3d Peace Stamp Error
- Description: Part of the Peace issue, this stamp was supposed to have the inscription “NEW ZEALAND” at the bottom.
- Details: An error stamp was released without the country name.
- Rarity: This error makes it highly sought after.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s philatelic history is rich and varied, with several rare and valuable stamps that are of great interest to collectors. The stamps from the early periods, especially the “Full Face Queens” and the “Chalon Heads,” along with notable errors and commemorative issues, are among the most prized. Understanding the historical context of New Zealand Post further enriches the appreciation of these valuable stamps.