Tonga 1891 (10 Nov) 8d on 2d violet, type 4 surcharge, horizontal pair, the right stamp showing variety "Short T in EIGHT", SG6a.
A fine and fresh mint pair with large part original gum.
Only 50 sheets were surcharged and the variety is very scarce, particularly as a pair and in such fine quality.
The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £215+.
Tonga became a constitutional monarchy under King George Tupou I (named after King George III), in 1875. Stamps were first issued with a King George I visage in 1886. Tonga became a British Protectorate in 1900 under a Treaty of Friendship. Tonga, however, maintained its sovereignty, and the Tongan monarchy continues to this day.
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