New Zealand postage stamps year 1915 unused
In 1915, New Zealand issued several notable postage stamps, marking the transition from Edwardian to Georgian rule, as well as reflecting the global context of World War I. The stamps of this year include the King George V “Dominion” series, recess-printed definitives, and the first War Stamp overprints.
1. King George V “Dominion” Definitive Issue
- Issued: Ongoing since 1910; reprinted and widely used in 1915
- Design: Profile of King George V with “Dominion of New Zealand”
- Printing: Surface printed (typographed) by the NZ Government Printer
- Watermark: NZ and Star / Multiple NZ and Star
- Common 1915 Denominations: ValueColorNotes½dYellow-greenUsed for printed matter1dCarmine/redMost common domestic letter rate2dYellowDouble inland letter rate or British Empire3dBrown/chocolateUsed on heavier letters or foreign mail
🔎 Variants exist with different watermarks and perforations (e.g., Perf 14, Perf 14×13½).
📬 2. King George V Recess-Printed Issue
(Also called the “Engraved George V” issue)
- Issued: 1913–1915 (last new values appeared in 1915)
- Printing: High-quality recess (engraved) by De La Rue (London)
- Design: Portrait of King George V in a finely detailed frame
- 1915 Active Values: ValueColorNotes1½dRed-brownDomestic postcard rate or combo use2½dUltramarineUsed for letters to the UK
3. War Stamp Overprints (WWI)
Stanley Gibbons: SG 440+
Issued: First War Stamp in 1915
Purpose: Raise funds for war effort through postal revenue
Overprint: Black or red text reading “1d WAR STAMP”
Base Stamp: Usually the green ½d Dominion definitive
Scott Catalog: MR1 (½d green with overprint)
