NIGER COAST 1894 '½' on left half of 1d vermilion, SG63

Niger Coast 1894 (Aug-Sept) '½' on left half of 1d vermilion, type 15 surcharge in VIOLET, Opobo bisect provisional, tied to piece by 'OPOBO RIVER' circular date stamp, dated 'SP 19 94', SG63.

An exceptional used top marginal example WITH PART SHEET NUMBER IN BLUE CRAYON (apparently '1 3 (?)'). Small surface mark at lower left corner, not mentioned by clear British Philatelic Association certificate of authenticity (2011).

A major rarity as only two sheets were surcharged! Only 240 stamps were issued in all three colours.

Accompanied with a British Philatelic Association (BPA) certificate of authenticity (2011).

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £700.

In May of 1894 British overprinted stamps were replaced with new designs inscribed correctly “NIGER COAST PROTECTORATE” featuring the same portrait of Queen Victoria. These stamps were issued on unwatermarked paper. Also in 1894, there was an expanded need for ½d and 1d stamps and 1d and 2d stamps were overprinted to all bisection of the stamps.

• BUY NOW: Order online, by phone +44 (0)1534 639 998, or via email info@paulfrasercollectibles.com