Canada year 1870 Queen Victoria stamps 1/2c Used

Canada year 1870 Queen Victoria stamps 1/2c Used Size: 15 x 18mm

The 1870 1⁄2 cent Queen Victoria stamp from Canada is a classic rarity and key stamp in Canadian philately. Here are some details about this used stamp:

Design: Features the famous “Widow’s Weed” portrait of Queen Victoria engraved by Alfred Joubert, showing her wearing widow’s mourning dress and veil.

Color: Printed in a black-brown shade.

Paper/Perforation: Issued on horizontally laid paper and perforated 12.

Purpose: The 1⁄2 cent value paid the drop letter rate for non-distance mail delivery within a city or town in Canada in the 1870s.

Printing: Relatively small numbers were printed – only about 1.1 million stamps total over a short period of use from 1870-1873 before it was discontinued.

Cancellations: Examples typically encountered today have contemporary circular datestamp or target cancels struck by post offices when used on mail.

Rarity/Value: The 1870 1⁄2c black is considered one of the great classic rarities of Canada. Even used examples with decent centering and light cancels can fetch $1,000 or more at auction. The stamp is prohibitively rare in unused, original gum condition.

This early small Queen stamp’s diminutive size, striking engraved portrait, and overall scarcity combine to make it a highly prized item. Along with other classic 19th century Canadian stamp rarities, it represents the apex of early stamp engraving and printing craftsmanship.