South African Republic Postzegel stamps year 1885 – 1920

South African Republic Postzegel stamps year 1885 – 1920 VRI, ERI overprints unused /used stamps

That is a fascinating and highly significant period in South African philately! The stamps of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR), commonly known as the South African Republic or Transvaal, overprinted with “V.R.I.” and “E.R.I.” are direct postal relics of the Second Boer War (1899-1902).

Here is a breakdown of these historic overprints:

⚔️ ZAR Occupation Issues (1900-1902)

The ZAR was a Boer republic that was occupied by British forces during the war. Once the British military secured a town or region, they needed stamps for the civilian postal service. The fastest way was to seize existing stocks of ZAR stamps and overprint them to signify the new British authority.

1. V.R.I. Overprints (Victoria Regina Imperatrix)

• Meaning: Victoria Regina Imperatrix (Latin for Victoria, Queen and Empress).
• Period of Use: Beginning June 18, 1900, after the British occupied Pretoria (the ZAR capital).
• Base Stamps: The current definitive stamps of the South African Republic (ZAR), which typically featured the ZAR Coat of Arms or designs like the railway wagon.
• Issuance: The overprints were officially applied to the existing stock of ZAR stamps under the supervision of the Military Governor, often utilizing printing works in Cape Town. They were generally printed in a straight line, but many local, cruder hand-stamped “V.R.” or “V.R.I.” provisionals also exist from specific besieged or occupied towns like Rustenburg and Wolmaransstad, which are much rarer.
• Rarity/Varieties: This issue is highly specialized due to numerous varieties, including:
  • Missing stops (e.g., “V R I”).
  • The famous error “V.I.R.” for “V.R.I.” on some stamps.
  • Color variations and different print settings.

2. E.R.I. Overprints (Edwardus Rex Imperator)

• Meaning: Edwardus Rex Imperator (Latin for Edward, King and Emperor).
• Period of Use: 1901–1902. Queen Victoria died in January 1901, and her son, Edward VII, ascended to the throne.
• Base Stamps: Remaining stocks of ZAR stamps were then overprinted with the new monarch’s initials, “E.R.I.”, again indicating British authority over the newly designated Transvaal Colony.