Cyprus 1881 (Feb) 'HALF-PENNY' on 1d red Plate 218 type 3 (18mm) surcharge, SG7.
A superb mint block of 4 lettered 'DC-ED' with lovely fresh colour and large part original gum.
A stunning and very rare multiple from this printing plate.
Provenance: Ex Mrs Richardson (Robson Lowe 6/7/60, lot 233).
Postage stamps were first introduced in Cyprus in 1880. The first issues used British stamps, which were overprinted with the word "CYPRUS", marking the island's transition to British administration in 1878. These were required whilst Cyprus established its own postage stamps.
The denominations were overprinted from halfpenny to two shillings and sixpence. These stamps represent the beginning of the philatelic history of Cyprus and are prized amongst collectors.
The overprinted stamps were only in use for a short period and were replaced by their own stamps in 1881.
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