Canada Newfoundland year 1880/96 2c. Fish stamp Unused

The 2 cent “Fish” stamp issued by the colony of Newfoundland between 1880-1896 has some interesting details:

Design:

• Features an image of a codfish, which was a vital part of Newfoundland’s fishing industry
• The codfish design is engraved and sits inside an oval frame
• “NEWFOUNDLAND” is arched at the top and the “2 CENTS” value is stated at the bottom

Colors:

• Printed in various shades over its lengthy period of use
• Early printings in 1880 were green, followed by bright blue shades
• Later printings from 1887-1896 tended towards duller blue-green shades

Printing Method:

• All printings were done by the American Bank Note Company using engraved plates

Perforation:

• Early issues were imperforate without perforations
• Later printings had perforations of gauge 12

Usage:

• The 2 cent value paid the domestic printed matter rate within Newfoundland at the time
• It was intended for newspapers, circulars, books etc.

Varieties:

• There are several listed plate varieties that exist, prized by specialists
• The imperforate and early perforated printings tend to be scarcer

This long-running definitive stamp design highlighting the codfish was reflective of Newfoundland’s major industry and economy during the late 19th century era. Used examples, especially on cover, are quite popular with collectors of Newfoundland’s stamps before it joined the Canadian confederation in 1949.