Great Britain Cyprus 1881 Queen Victoria stamps Used

Great Britain Cyprus 1881 Queen Victoria stamps Used

Great Britain issued stamps for use in Cyprus in 1881 after taking over administration of the island from the Ottoman Empire that year. These were the first British stamps issued specifically for use in Cyprus.

The 1881 Queen Victoria Cyprus Stamps:

Design:

• Portrayed an engraved portrait of Queen Victoria based on the ‘Royal’ design used for British stamps at the time.
• The name “CYPRUS” was overprinted or inscribed on the stamps along with the denomination in piastres and cents.

Values:

• The set contained 12 different values ranging from 1⁄2 piastre up to 12 piastres.
• The currency was based on the Ottoman piastre and para system still used in Cyprus at the time.

Watermarks:

• Early printings used the Crown CC watermark of the British stamps.
• Later printings used Crown CA watermarks.

Printings:

• The stamps were typographed and printed by De La Rue & Co. in London.
• Multiple printings occurred in 1881, 1882 and 1886 to meet demand.

Usage:

• These British Cyprus stamps replaced the previous Ottoman stamps used on the island.
• They were the first issues for the newly established British Cyprus postal service.
• They remained valid for postage until superseded by Cyprus’ first locally printed stamps in 1928.

The 1881 Queen Victoria British Cyprus stamps marked the transition to British colonial rule on the island after over 300 years of Ottoman control. Their classic design symbolized the British monarchy’s new sovereignty.