Queensland year 1882 / 2 Shilling – Unused stamp

Queensland year 1882 / 2 Shilling – Unused stamp

The 1882 2 Shilling stamp from Queensland is a classic rarity from the colonial era of Australian philately. Here are the key details:

Design: Features an engraved portrait of Queen Victoria facing left, based on the “Chalon Head” design used for many British colonial stamps. Intricate engine-turned geometric lathework patterns frame the portrait.

Color: Printed in a bright blue shade, described as either bright Prussian blue or blue wingen.

Paper/Watermark: Issued on thick Crown over Q watermarked paper.

Printing Method: Engraved intaglio printing from flat plates.

Perforation: Perforated 12 gauge.

Purpose: The 2 Shilling value fulfilled the very high letter rate for 1⁄2 ounce mail sent from Queensland to the United Kingdom and other distant destinations via ship mail routes.

Rarity: Only around 137,000 examples were printed. Lower printage combined with its short period of use from 1882-1886 made surviving examples quite scarce, especially in very fine unused condition.

The 1882 2 Shilling blue is considered the key rarity of the Chalon Head issues from Queensland. It catalogs for thousands of dollars per stamp in mint never-hinged condition. Even used examples with decent cancellations can fetch premium prices at auction.

This stamp’s beauty and scarcity make it a major prize for collectors specializing in the stamps of Queensland and Australian colonies. It represents the apex of 19th century line-engraved stamp printing.