Canada – Newfoundland year 1887 – 3c. in shades Queen Victoria

Canada – Newfoundland year 1887 – 3c. in shades Queen Victoria

Classic Queen Victoria stamps issued by the colony of Newfoundland in the late 19th century:

The “Pence” Issues (1857-1862):

• First stamps issued in 1857, engraved portrait of young Queen Victoria
• Denominated in pence currency – 1d, 3d, 4d, 5d, 6d, 6½d, 8d
• Printed by Perkins, Bacon and Petch in London

The “Cents” Issues (1865-1897):

• New currency decimalization saw stamps switch to cents denomination
• Maintained the engraved “Chalon Head” portrait of Victoria
• Values included 1c, 2c, 3c, 5c, 10c, 12c, 13c, 24c
• Printed by the American and British American Bank Note companies

Key Rarity Notes:

• The 1857 8d Scarlet-Vermilion is considered the rarest classic Newfoundland stamp
• Only about 15-20 are estimated to still exist, fetching over $100,000 in fine condition
• Other scarce values include the 6½d reddish purple and 5c Harp Seal stamp

Usage and Varieties:

• These Victorian portrait stamps paid the various domestic and international letter rates
• Numerous plate flaws, re-entries, shades and paper/perforation varieties exist
• Centering and cancellation qualities are highly important for premium examples

The Queen Victoria era stamps of Newfoundland are extremely popular with collectors of British North America material as well as Victorian philately in general. Many are affordable in used condition but the great rarities in superb quality can demand staggering prices at auction.