Grenada year 1883 – 1d Carmine postage stamp
The Grenada 1883 1d Carmine postage stamp is a key issue from the British colony’s Victorian-era definitive stamps.
Here is a breakdown of the specific details:
Key Information
| Feature | Details |
| Denomination | 1 Penny (1d) |
| Color | Carmine (a vivid crimson-red color) |
| Monarch/Design | Queen Victoria |
| Design Type | The stamp features the classic Queen Victoria profile portrait typical of the period. For Grenada, the 1883 issue is part of the first set to use the standard Victorian head design after an earlier issue featuring the famous “Chalon Head” portrait. |
| Inscription | The stamps in this issue are typically inscribed “GRENADA POSTAGE” or, in some cases, “GRENADA POSTAGE & REVENUE” (though the 1d carmine is most commonly associated with the postage-only inscription). |
| Watermark | Crown and CA (Crown Colony of Antigua) or similar Colonial Watermark (WM: 4 or similar in some catalogs). |
| Perforation | Perforated, typically 14. |
| Catalog Numbers (for the 1d Carmine stamp) | Stanley Gibbons (SG) #31 |
| Scott #21 (The whole 1883 set is Scott #21-26) |
Notable Collectible Feature: The Tête-Bêche
A particularly interesting feature of the 1883 Grenada issue is the occurrence of tête-bêche pairs.
- Due to the layout of the watermark on the sheets (Crown and CA watermark), alternating rows of the stamp plate were sometimes printed upside down relative to each other.
- A tête-bêche pair is a pair of stamps joined together, where one is printed normally and the adjacent stamp is inverted. This is a rare and highly sought-after variety for collectors.
- The catalog number for the Tête-Bêche pair of the 1d carmine is often designated as SG #31a or Scott #21a.
Value
The value of the stamp varies significantly based on its condition and whether it is a single or the rare tête-bêche variety:
- Single Stamp (Used): Relatively modest, often ranging from approximately £2 to £10 GBP (or equivalent in USD/EUR), depending on the cancel and overall condition.
- Single Stamp (Mint Hinged/MH): Higher, with catalogue values that can be in the £40 to £90+ GBP range, but real-world selling prices depend on the quality of the gum and hinge remnant.
- Tête-Bêche Pair (SG #31a): This is a major collectible variety. Catalogue values are very high, often in the hundreds or thousands of pounds/dollars depending on the exact paper variety, condition, and certification.
Disclaimer: Stamp values fluctuate and depend heavily on the stamp’s condition, centering, gum, and any special varieties (e.g., plate flaws, postmarks). For a precise valuation, it must be inspected by a professional philatelic appraiser.
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