India Stamps Half Anna Blue 1854

Overview

The first official postage stamp of India was Half Anna Blue, Scott #2. It was released on 1^st October 1854, vignette depicting the head of Queen Victoria. Three Dies were used to produce these stamps, using lithographed technique, watermarked coat of arm in sheet and SCV $65.00 (MNH) & $16 (VFU).

This philatelic study is mainly focusing on the simple method to determine which one is Die I, Die II, Die III and also forgery stamps.  There are six (6) used stamps of Half Anna India has been selected.

In term of printing quantities, Die I was the largest an approximately of 30 Million, followed by Die II (2 Million) and Die III (4.7 Million). Die II is an elusive stamp.

The simple characteristic prior to determine the Dies are based on the following aspect:-

1^st Step - Corner Ornament

o   Die I - A solid blue petal to the ornaments

o   Die II and Die III - A flaw blue petal to the right ornaments

2^nd Step - Diadem (A jewels crown)

o   Die II – diadem cross line

o   Die III – diadem solid cross line

Samples

Stamp #1

Die I, 4 margins, blue, solid petal at left and right ornaments, diamond dots cancellation, VFU, elusive stamps, high value

Note: Country name of "INDIA" does not touch on the upper and the lower lines.

Left petal solid blue

Right petal solid blue

Stamp #2

Die I, 4 margins, dull Blue, solid petal at left and right ornaments, heavily diamond dots cancellation, outer frame tendency to be weak, VFU, elusive stamps

Note: Die I (Worn Out) - Thicker wording on 'HALF ANNA'

Stamp #3

Die III, 3 Margins, Dull Blue, flaw petal at left and right ornaments, VFU, elusive stamps

Note: Country name of "INDIA" always touching on the upper and the lower lines.

Right petal has a white centre with small points

Diadem solid cross line

Stamp #4

Die II, 4 Margins, Dull Blue, flaw petal at left and right ornaments, VFU, elusive stamps, high value

Note: Similar condition in comparison with Die I, however Chignon is almost blank/white and separated.

Right petal a solid blue centre

Diadem cross line

 

Stamp #5

Die II, 4 Margins, Dull Blue, flaw petal at left and right ornaments, VFU, elusive stamps, high value

Note: It could be Die I (Worn Out) where chignon is attached with hair.

Right petal a solid blue centre

Diadem cross line

Stamp #6

Die I, 4 Margins, Blue, solid petal at left and right ornaments,

Forgery Used

Diadem round circle