Niger Coast 1894 (June) '½' on left half of 1d pale blue, type 15 surcharge in red, Opobo bisect provisional, lower marginal, perforations compound 13½-14x12-13, tied to piece by OPOBO RIVER circular date stamp, dated 'SP 19 94', SG58d.
A fine used example despite some minor marks at foot. An attractive and unusual piece of early Nigerian postal history. There are no examples of these bisect stamps known in mint condition.
A very rare stamp as only 120 were issued and looks undervalued in the catalogue relative to its extreme rarity.
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.
The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £400.
- BUY NOW: Order online, by phone +44 (0)1534 639 998, or via email info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
