Hong Kong stamps year 1962 Queen Elizabeth 5c/$20 Used complete set
In 1962, Hong Kong released a definitive series that is highly regarded by collectors for its artistic transition. It is famously known as the “Annigoni” or “Military Attire” series, based on a 1956 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by the Italian painter Pietro Annigoni.
The 1962 Annigoni Series
This set replaced the traditional frames of previous colonial stamps with a clean, frameless design. It was also the first Hong Kong series to feature full-color printing for the high-value stamps.
| Denomination | Color | Scott / SG # | Used Value (Approx.) |
| 5¢ | Greyish-brown | Scott 203 / SG 196 | $0.10 – $0.50 |
| 10¢ | Multicolored | Scott 204 / SG 197 | $0.10 – $0.30 |
| 50¢ | Multicolored | Scott 207 / SG 203 | $0.20 – $0.60 |
| $1 | Multicolored | Scott 210 / SG 205 | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| $2 | Multicolored | Scott 213 / SG 207 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| $5 | Multicolored | Scott 215 / SG 208 | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| $10 | Multicolored | Scott 216 / SG 209 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| $20 | Violet & Blue | Scott 217 / SG 210 | $15.00 – $30.00 |
Key Identification: The $20 High Value
The $20 stamp is the “key” to this set. At the time of its release, it was a very high denomination, used primarily for heavy parcels or international airmail, making fine used copies relatively scarce compared to the lower values.
- Design: Unlike the smaller, monochrome-style low values, the $20 is physically larger and features the Queen in her Order of the Garter robes (military attire).
- Watermark: The standard issue has the St. Edward’s Crown over CA (Wz. 5) watermark.
- Used Condition: Look for a clear, circular date stamp (CDS). Stamps with heavy, smudged, or “killer” cancellations are worth significantly less than those with readable dates from the 1960s.
Varieties to Look For
- Watermark Orientation: There are “Watermark Upright” and “Watermark Sideways” varieties. For the 5c value specifically, the sideways watermark is a common variety, but some high values with inverted or sideways watermarks can carry a premium.
- Glazed Paper: Some early printings were on a distinctively glossy, glazed paper.
- The “Short Character” Variety: On certain denominations, there is a specialized variety where the Chinese character for “Hong Kong” is slightly shorter or broken.
