New South Wales 1854 6 d – imperforated stamp QV Used

New South Wales 1854 6 d – imperforated stamp QV Used

The 1854 6d stamp from New South Wales was an important early issue in the philatelic history of Australia. Some key details about this stamp:

• It was imperforate, meaning the stamps had no perforations or die-cuts separating them. This was very common for early stamp issues before perforating machines were introduced.
• The design featured the image of Queen Victoria based on the “Coronation” portrait by Alfred Edward Chalon. Her head is depicted facing left on a plain background.
• The denomination “SIX PENCE” is stated at the bottom of the design.
• It was printed in grayish-blue ink on wove paper without watermarks initially, though some later printings used paper with a “6” numeral watermark.
• The printing method was by surface-printed typography using flat plates, not engraved intaglio plates.
• Issued on January 1, 1854, it was the first authorized postage stamp for prepayment of letters in the British colony of New South Wales.
• Stamps were issued imperforate in sheets and had to be cut apart with scissors or knives by postal clerks or customers.

This classic 6d blue imperforate stamp is highly prized by collectors specializing in New South Wales and Australian colonial stamp issues from the pre-Federation era before 1913. Examples in fine unused or lightly cancelled condition can fetch high prices.