Description
The Queensland 4d Black Stamp is a fascinating and historically significant piece of Australian philatelic history. It was issued by the Queensland Government during the late 19th century when Queensland was still a separate colony before Australia became a federated nation in 1901. The stamp features an important design and serves as a key item for collectors of colonial Australian stamps.
Key Details of the Queensland 4d Black Stamp:
- Design:
- Portrait of Queen Victoria: The stamp features a profile portrait of Queen Victoria, which was a common theme for many stamps during the British colonial period. The design reflects the formal and regal style typical of the time.
- Color: The stamp is printed in black ink, making it distinctive and stark in its appearance. The use of black ink was typical for this era, and it gives the stamp a somber yet elegant feel.
- Denomination: The stamp is denominated as 4d (four pence), a unit of currency used in Australia and its colonies at the time. The 4d stamp was used for domestic postage and was one of the smaller denominations in circulation.
- Historical Context:
- Issued in 1890: The Queensland 4d Black Stamp was issued as part of a set of stamps in 1890 by the Queensland Government before the federation of Australia in 1901. This was a time when the colonies of Australia, including Queensland, were still responsible for their own postal services.
- Queensland’s Independence: Queensland was one of the six original colonies in Australia, and it continued to issue its own stamps until 1901 when Australia federated into a single nation, at which point the Commonwealth government took over the responsibility for postal services.
- The 4d denomination was used primarily for local postage within the colony of Queensland. It was an important value for sending letters and parcels within the region.
- Design Variations:
- The Queensland 4d Black Stamp has several known printings and varieties. These include different watermarks, perforation types, and paper types that were used in its production. Collectors often look for these variations, as they can significantly impact the stamp’s rarity and value.
- The watermark found on these stamps was typically a crown over “Q”, a marking that signifies the stamp’s issue by Queensland.
- Collectibility:
- Rarity: The Queensland 4d Black stamp is considered to be quite rare, especially in mint condition. As with many stamps from the colonial era, the value can increase significantly for well-preserved examples.
- Condition: Stamps in unused (mint) condition, especially those with clear and undamaged perforations, are highly sought after by collectors. Used stamps, especially those with clear cancellations or interesting postal history, also have value but are typically less expensive than unused ones.
- Errors and Misprints: Like many older stamps, the Queensland 4d Black has its share of misprints and printing errors, which can make particular examples extremely valuable.
- Significance in Australian Philately:
- The Queensland 4d Black stamp is one of the key pieces for collectors of colonial Australian stamps, especially those focusing on the era of British rule in Australia before Federation.
- It is part of the Queen Victoria series that was used in multiple Australian colonies, which featured her portrait on the stamps. The 4d Black variant stands out due to its historical importance, its relatively low value for postal use, and its distinctive black color
