Belgium year 1850/65 stamps King Leopold I Used set

Belgium year 1850/65 stamps King Leopold I Used set

The stamps issued in Belgium between 1850-1865 featuring King Leopold I are among the earliest Belgian stamps and hold significant importance in philately. Here are some key details:

1. The “Epaulette” Issues (1849-1865):

• These featured an iconic engraved portrait of King Leopold I in military uniform with epaulettes on the shoulders.
• They were the first definitive stamp series issued after Belgium’s first stamps in 1849.
• Printed in imperforate sheets using embossing and recess printing methods.
• Denominations included 10c brown, 20c blue, 40c carmine.
• Numerous reprints with subtle differences appeal to specialist collectors.

2. The “Medallion” Issues (1861-1865):

• Featured the same portrait of Leopold I but in a medallion shape rather than rectangular frame.
• Considered a separate issue from the Epaulettes despite the similar design.
• Denominations like 1c green, 10c brown, 20c blue, 30c brown, 40c carmine were issued.
• First Belgian stamps to be perforated rather than imperforate.

3. Significance:

• Leopold I was the first King of the Belgians after their independence from the Netherlands in 1830.
• His portrait symbolized the new nation’s monarchy and independence.
• The classic engraved designs are prized by collectors for their beauty and importance as early Belgian stamps.
• Shades, paper varieties, cancellations provide ample scope for specialist study of these 1850-1865 issues.

The King Leopold I “Epaulette” and “Medallion” stamp series from 1850-1865 laid the foundation for Belgian philately and their elegant designs remain iconic symbols celebrating the nation’s independence era under its first monarch.