Nicaragua

1929 Scott C6 1cor orange red 

"Airplanes over Mt. Momotombo"

Quick History
The largest of the Central American countries, Nicaragua became independent from Spain in 1821, and issued the first stamp in 1862.

One of the more bizarre episodes in Nicaragua's history occurred when an U.S. adventurer named William Walker set himself up as president of Nicaragua in 1856. He was driven out, and the Conservatives then ruled for the next 30 years.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua was one of the Central American countries that agreed to let Nicholas Frederick Seebeck and the Hamilton Bank Note Company print their stamps in exchange for unlimited reprinting rights.

From 1890-99, regular, postage due and official stamp sets were printed yearly. Even today, most of these stamps can be had  "mint" for pennies.

The good news for classical WW collectors is most stamps of Nicaragua are inexpensive even today- if you can find them. ;-)

The military dictatorship that lasted longest was the Somoza family that ruled for 43 years (1927-1979).

The  Somozas were deposed by the Sandinistas in 1979.

The Capital is Managua, and the population was 1,000,000 in 1941.

1933 Scott C86 50c rose 

"Flag of the Race Issue"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has for Nicaragua 735 regular, 253 air post, 36 air post official, 48 postage due, 384 official, 58 postal tax, 126 Province of Zelaya, and 75 Cabo Gracias a Dios major descriptive numbers. Total = 1715.

Of those, 592 out of 735 regular issues or 81%, are CV <$1-$1+. Clearly, Nicaragua is an inexpensive country to collect. But there are a lot of stamps! And, like the rest of Central American countries, the non Seebeck era stamps, especially the surcharged ones, are not that easy to find in feeder albums.

1898 Scott 99 1c brown 

"Coat of Arms of Republic of Central America"

Seebeck Issue- Wmk 117

I am not going to focus on the Seebeck era for this blog post, but a few words are in order.

For the WW classical collector, and non expert in Nicaragua, another word for Seebeck is MESS.

Consider the 1898 "Coat of Arms of Republic of Central America" Seebeck issue...
• It is either found with watermark 117 "Liberty Cap" or unwatermarked.
• The unwatermarked specimens are on slightly thicker paper than the watermarked specimens.
• Reprints on thicker porous paper are found for both watermarked and unwatermarked specimens.
• The watermarks are placed sideways for the reprints. (Example below)
• Originals have CV of <$1-$25, while reprints are valued @ 15 cents each. 

Watermark 117 "Liberty Cap"

Top Row- wmk horizontal

Right side up, and upside down examples

Bottom Row- wmk sideways

Running up and running down examples

The watermark pic above shows, for the top row, the horizontal watermarks for "genuine" stamps, either right side up or upside down.

The bottom row shows the reprint watermarks, which are sideways, either running up or running down.

So what should a WW classical era collector do?

My advice is don't spend a lot of money on these issues, because the chances are great that a dealer or another collector will not pay you a premium anyway. ;-)

Go for reprints if possible, and be done with it. ;-)

A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Centavos = 1 Peso
100 Centavos = 1 Cordoba (1913)

Nicaragua has a lot of classical era stamps. A through coverage would require 6-8 blog posts. Rather, I have elected to cover a sampling of the Air Post issues in this post and the next post.

1929 Scott C1 25c orange 

Regular issue of 1914-28 Overprinted in Red

The first air post issue used the regular issue of 1914-28, and has the overprint on three stamps as shown. I should say at the outset that Scott has a warning about counterfeit overprints on the more valuable stamps for C1-C66. The CV for these stamps, though, is a modest <$1-$2+.

1930 Scott C7 15c on 25c olive black 

Red Surcharge on C4

In 1929, a three stamp set was produced by the American Bank Note Company showing airplanes over Mt. Momotombo. This basic design, often with additional overprints or surcharges, was used on many stamps through 1937. Here a 1930 25c olive black is surcharged "red"- but looks red- violet in color to me.

1931 Scott C18 15c deep violet

Momotombo Type of 1929

In 1931, two new denominations and colors were introduced for the Momtombo type- a 15c deep violet and a 20c deep green.

1932 Scott C24 1cor deep carmine

"Managua Post Office Before and After Earthquake"

An earthquake leveled the Managua post office on March 31, 1931, and a five stamp set was produced to mark the disaster. The stamps were only on sale on January 1, 1932, and the proceeds were for the reconstruction of the building and the improvement of the postal service.

The originals are on soft porous paper, while the reprints are on thin hard paper.

1932 Scott C28 40c on 1cor, black surcharge

In 1932, five additional stamps were surcharged as shown on the C5 50c black brown and the C6 1cor orange red. This color here is more a lemon yellow, wouldn't you say?

1932 Scott C50 2c on 3c light blue

Regular issue of 1914-32 Surcharged in Black

In 1932, a 14  stamp set was produced by surcharging in black the regular issue of 1914-32. CV ranges from <$1-$3. Note this issue was intended for interior air post.

1932 Scott C67 15c dark violet

"La Chocolata Cut"

Rivas Railroad Issue

For the inauguration of the railroad from San Jorge to to San Juan del Sur on December 18, 1932, a  five stamp air post and a five stamp regular issue was produced. This large (in physical size) stamp issue was lithographed- rather poorly for the attempted level of detail that is portrayed. These issues were only on sale on December 18, 1932. CV for the air post issue stamp is $20.

1932 Scott C74 25c dark brown "Malpaicillo Station"

Leon-Sauce Railroad Issue

A similar five stamp air post issue ( and five stamp regular issue) was produced for the new railroad line from Leon to El Sauce. These were only on sale December 30, 1932. Notice a pattern here? ;-) The CV is $20, and the genuine issue is on soft porous paper.

1933 Scott C87 1cor green 

"Flag of the Race Issue"

In 1933, an eleven stamp issue was produced for air post use ( a regular issue was produced as well). These stamps commemorate the symbolical raising of the "Flag of the Race". The flag shows three crosses for the three ships of Columbus.

1933 Scott C100 24c on 25c vermilion

Stamps and Types of 1928-31 Surcharged in Black

In 1933, a 14 stamp issue was created by surcharging in black as shown.

Note the control marks- facsimile signatures of the Minister of Public Works and the Postmaster General.

1933 Scott C109  55c on 1cor green

Type of Air Post Stamps of 1929 Surcharged in Black

In 1933, a four stamp set was produced with surcharges, and was based on the 1929 "Momotombo" design. But one will note the color is new for the denomination.

1934 Scott C110 10c on 20c green 

C19 Surcharged in Red

For air service to Central America in 1934, a surcharged 1931 C19 stamp was produced. 

1935-36 Scott C117 30c on 50c orange red

C106 overprinted in Blue

A blue vertical overprint "Resello 1935" was applied  here to an C106 "orange red". (appears more orange!). 

These stamps were issued in 1935, and the overprint was on nine stamps. The blue overprint was applied to 14 more air post stamps in 1936. (There are also regular issues with the same overprint.)

We will continue with the next post....

Deep Blue

1933 Air Post Surcharged Issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 115! pages for Nicaragua, and covers all the major numbers. Nice!

1933 Scott C102 32c on 50c violet

Stamps and Types of 1928-31 Surcharged in Black

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, on eighteen pages, has 568 spaces. The Scott album, minus the provincial stamps, has 1514 major stamp descriptions. Coverage is 38%. BB does a good job of covering the straight issues, but much less so with all the surcharged issues. And that is a pity, because the locally surcharged issues is where the philatelic interest lies. ;-)

Still, Nicaragua is number eight in total stamp spaces in BB,  getting edged out for seventh by Salvador. But if one can fill all the spaces, well, that is a challenge indeed!

Observations....
• Only two - yes two- stamps crossed the $10 threshold. ! None are in the $35 "Most Expensive category".
(But, read about the 1894 25c yellow green "Victory" stamp space below ;-)
• The Seebeck era (1890-99) offers choices between unwatermarked and watermark 117 "Liberty cap" stamps.

And, last, but not least....

• There is an interesting 1894 "Victory"stamp space (25c yellow green) that might be quite difficult to fill. Perhaps, not quite at the level of Syria Scott 106c 25c on 10c green (error), but a challenge nevertheless.

1894 Scott "65B" 25c yellow green (Type A9)

Look for this illustrated 25c yellow green "Victory" stamp to fill a space in BB

There was an 1894  25c yellow green "Victory" stamp produced during the Seebeck era, but Scott now believes it only had telegraph duty, not postal duty. Therefore there is no Scott number now assigned to the stamp, although my '47 Scott has "65B" for it, and valued it in italics @ $5. Just based on inflation, that would be a value of $50 today.

And BB has a space designated for this stamp. Good luck! ;-)

Checklist

1862-71
3,1 or 4, 2 or 5, 6,7,
8,9,10,11,12,

1882
13,14,15,16,17,18,19,

(Seebeck era 1890-99: Caveat emptor)

1890
20,21,22,23,24,25,
26,27,28,29,

1891
30,31,32,33,34,35,

Next Page

1891
36,37,38,39,

1892
40,41,42,
43,44,45,46,47,48,49,

1893
51,52,53,54,55,56,
57,58,59,60,

1894
61,62,63,64,65,"25c yellow green"*,66,
67,68,69,70,

Next Page

1895
71,72,73,74,75,76,
77,78,79,80,

1896*
81 or 89A,82 or 89B,83 or 89C,84 or 89D,85 or 89E,86 or 89F,
87 or 89G,88 or 89H,89 or 89I,

1897*
90 or 98A,91 or 98B,92 or 98C,93 or 98D,
94 or 98E,95 or 98F,96 or 98G,97 or 98H,98 or 98I,

1898*
99 or 109A,100 or 109B,101 or 109D,102 or 109E,103 or 109G,104 or 109H,105 or 109I,

1899
110,111,112,113,114,115,116,

Next Page

1899
117,118,119,120,

1900-02
121,122,123,124,125 or 159,
127 or 161,128,129,(130),160,

1901-02
144,(145),162,(163),(146),

1901*
152,153,154,155,156,157,

1903-04
167,168,169,170,171,172,
173,174,

Next Page

1904-05
175,176,178,

1905-07
179 or 202,180,181,
182,183,184,185,186 or 206,187 or 207,(188),

1906-08
212,194,213,215,(196),197,(198),

1908
221,222,223,217,218,

1909
226,227,

1909
237,238,239,240,241,242,
243,244,245,246,247,248,

Next Page

1910
249,254,255,(250),

1910-11
256*,260,261,262,263,264,265,

1911
266,268,269,270,272,273,278,(276),
279,280,281,282,283,290,291,

1911
292,293,294,

1912
295,296,297,
298,299,300,301,302,303,304,

Next Page

1912
305,306,307,

1913
310,

1913
313,311,312,314,315,316,317,
318,320,321,322,323,324,
325,326,327,328,329,
330,331,333,334,335,336,337,

1913
338,339,

1914
340,341,342,343,344,346,

Next Page

1914-22
349,408,350,409,351,410,
352,411,353,354,356,

1918-21
366,367,368,370,372,
381,385,387,388,389,

1921
401,402,403,404,405,406,
407,

1924
422,423,424,425,

1928
453,454,455,456,457,458,

Next  Page

1928
483,484,485,486,487,488,
489,490,491,492,(494),

1930
525,526,527,528,529,530,

1931
540,541,542,543,544,545,
546,(548),515,518,(519),(520),

1933
587,588,589,590,
591,592,593,

Next Page

1937
652,653,654,655,656,657,
658,659,660,661,662,663,
665,666,667,668,669,
670,

1939
674,675,676,
677,678,679,680,
681,682,683,

Next Page

Air Post
1929-31
C18,C19,C4,

1932
C21,

1932-36
(C50),C49,C92,(C93),(C94),
C121,(C122),(C123),(C124),(C125),

1933
C77,C78,C79,C80,C81,

1937
C186,C187,C188,
C189,C190,C191,

Next Page

(Air Post)
1937
C193,C194,C195,C196,
C197,C198,C199,C200,
C201,C202,

C203,C204,C205,C206,
C207,C208,C209,C210,
C211,C212,

Next Page

(Air Post)
1937
C215,C216,
C217,C218,C219,
C220,C221,

1939
C222,C223,C224,C225,
C226,C227,C228,C236,
C237,C238,C239,C240,

Next Page

(Air Post)
1939-40
C229,C230,C231,C232,C233,
C234,C241,C242,C235,
C243,C244,C246,C247,
C245,C248,C250,C249,
C251,C253,C252,

Next Page

Postal Tax Stamps
1937
RA55,RA56,RA57,RA58,

Official Air Post Stamps
1939
CO30,CO31,CO32,CO33,CO34,
CO35,CO36,

Official Stamps
1890
O1,O2,O3,O4,O5,O6,
O7,O8,O9,O10,

Next Page

(Official Stamps)
1891
O11,O12,O13,O14,O15,O16,
O17,O18,O19,O20,

1892
O21,O22,O23,O24,O25,O26,
O27,O28,O29,O30,

1893
O31,O32,O33,O34,O35,O36,
O37,O38,O39,O40,O41,

Next Page

(Official Stamps)
O42,O43,O44,O45,O46,O47,
O48,O49,O50,O51,

1895*
O52 or O62,O53 or O63,O54 or O64,O55 or O65,O56 or O66,O57 or O67,
O58 or O68,O59 or O69,O60 or O70,O61 or O71,

1899
O129,O130,O131,O132,O133,O134,O135,
O136,O137,O138,O139,

1903
O150,O151,

1912
O245,O246,O247,O248,O249,O250,O251,

Next Page

(Official Stamps)
1907
O178,O179,O180,(O181),

1908
O204,O205,O206,

1915
O260,O261,O263,O264,(O262),(O265),

1926
O283,O284,O285,O286,O287,

1932
O301,O302,O303,O304,O305,

1933
O320,O321,O322,O323,O324,

1939
O377,O378,O379,O380,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1897 Scott 97 2p claret ($10+)
1897 Scott 98 5p deep blue ($20)
B) (   ) around a number indicates a blank space choice.
C) *25c yellow green (Type A9)- No current Scott number, 65B in '47 catalogue with $5 valuation. Now considered a telegraph denomination- never used for postal purposes.
D) *1896- unwmked vs wmk 117 "Liberty cap"
E) *1897 unwmked vs wmk 117
F) *1898  wmk 117 vs unwmked
G) *1901- not Scott 138-142!
H) *256- illustrates wide spaced surcharge, but asks for narrow spaced surcharge i.e. 256. The rest of the spaces are for wide spaced surcharge.
I) *1895 Official- unwmked vs wmk 117. Note "1896","1897","1898" dated officials are not in BB.

1935-36 Scott C112 15c deep violet 

"Airplanes over Mt. Momotombo"

Overprinted in Blue

Out of the Blue

Wow, for a little country, so many stamps- but interesting with all the surcharges. One does need to be aware of forgery overprints, and as for the Seebeck era- yuk!!!

But one could do worse than dive into Nicaragua and obtain the stamps cheaply before they are "discovered". ;-)

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

Comments appreciated!

New Zealand

1864 Scott 36a 6p brown "Victoria"

Quick History
New Zealand, comprising North Island and South Island, is located in the south Pacific Ocean 900 miles east of Australia, and 600 miles south of New Caledonia. The Polynesian Māoris inhabited the lands circa 1300. New Zealand became a British Crown Colony in 1840 with the Treaty of Waitangi.

Map of New Zealand

Immigration from the United Kingdom rose sharply, and stamps were introduced in 1855. The colony became self-governing in 1856, and was proclaimed a Dominion within the British Empire in 1907.

The Capital is Wellington, and the population was 1,600,000 in 1942.

Land of the Kiwis, "Hobbits and Lord of the Rings", Sir Edmund Hillary, and Peter Snell ( Whom I have played Table Tennis with ;-) , New Zealand is viewed by many today as a temperate Shangri- La.

1895 Scott 67A 1/2p black "Victoria"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized album has for New Zealand 1855-1952, 286 regular, and 219 other category stamps. Total = 505  (I did not include postal-fiscal stamps.)

Of those, 157 are CV <$1-$1+, or 31%.. As one would expect, 19th century New Zealand is moderately to quite expensive for the WW classical collector.

For the purposes of this blog, we will be concentrating on the issues up to 1919, where more of the confusion can arise for the collector.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
12 Pence = 1 Shilling
20 Shillings = 1 Pound

1864 Scott 32 2p blue "Victoria"

Perf 12 1/2, Wmk 6 "Large Star"

The "Chalon Head" image of Queen Victoria, based on the portrait of the Queen on her coronation in 1837 by Alfred Chalon, was used from 1855-1873 on the first 50 Scott numbers. Generally expensive, with many variations in perforation, the WW classical collector may need to be content with a few representative stamps. The stamp is either found unwatermarked, or with watermark 6 "Large Star".

1874 Scott 54 4p claret "Victoria"

Wmk 62 "N Z and Small Star Wide Apart"

In 1874, the more conventional  side view of the queen was used on six stamps, each with a unique frame design. CV ranges from $7+-$75.  The watermark is Wmk 62 "N Z and Small Star Wide Apart".

Left Top: Wmk 6 "Large Star"

Right Top: Wmk 62 "N Z and Small Star Wide Apart"

Left Bottom: Wmk 63 "Double Lined N Z and Star"

Right Bottom: Wmk 61 "N Z and Star Close Together"

Perhaps we should review the watermarks found for the stamps in this blog post.  Some stamp series are also found unwatermarked.

1882 Scott 62 2p violet "Victoria"

Wmk 62 "N Z and Small Star Wide Apart"

In 1882, another seven stamp issue (Scott 61-67), all with different frames, was produced. CV is <$1-$10 for 5 stamps.

But something interesting happened to this issue in 1893, as well as to Scott 68-69.

1893 Advertisements on backs of Scott 61-69

Advertising on the back of the stamp! It is a treasure hunt turning over stamps of this era in old albums, and discover one with an advertisement. 

1891 Scott 68 2 1/2p ultramarine "Victoria"

Some updated image of the queen was issued on the 2 1/2p ultramarine on the 1891 (above), and the 1/2p black of 1895 (shown elsewhere on the post). One has to give credit to New Zealand for giving an unvarnished portrait of the queen in her old age. ;-)

1898 Scott 71 1p yellow brown & blue 

"Lake Taupo"

A large 14 stamp pictorial issue was produced in 1898 on unwatermarked paper. The perforations are 12 to 16.

Lake Taupo, on the North Island, is the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand.

1899 Scott 89 3p orange brown "Huia, Sacred Birds"

Perf 11, Unwmk, Thick Soft Wove Paper

In 1899-1900, another issue of 15 stamps based on the designs of 1898, was produced. Some stamps are in different colors, and the lower denominations are wmk 63, while the higher denominations are unwatermarked. But the consistent marker is that the perforations are 11.

The Huia bird was considered sacred, and it was reserved only for Māori of high rank to wear the plumes.

Huia

But they were hunted by the new arrivals for their skins and tail feathers, and they were easy to capture. Now extinct, the last confirmed sighting of the Huia was on December 28, 1907.

1900 Scott 85 1p carmine rose 

"White Terrace, Rotomahana"

Wmk 63 "Double Lined N Z and Star"

A few of the designs of 1900 are new, including an image of the White Terraces on the north end of Lake Rotomahana.

White Terraces

The Terraces were formed from precipitation from geysers. An eruption of Mount Tarawera in June 9-10, 1886, "destroyed" the terraces, and a new lake bed formed. In June 2011, part of the White Terraces was found intact on the lake floor!

1902 Scott 111 2 1/2p blue 

"Mt. Earnslaw, Lake Wakatipu"

Wmk 61 "N Z and Star Close Together"

Between 1902-07, another 14 stamps were issued based on the preceding designs. These stamps are characterized by wmk 61.

Mount Earnslaw (Pikirakatahi in Maori) is a 9000+ foot mountain on the South Island. It is located about 15 miles north of Lake Wakatipu. Part of The Lord of the Rings was filmed in this vicinity.

1902 Scott 108 1p carmine "Commerce"

1908 Scott 129 1p carmine, Redrawn

On January 1, 1901, a one penny universal postage stamp was introduced. However, the United States, France and Germany would not take them, as the rate was considered too low. But, contrary to fears, the New Zealand Post Office saw an increase in mail volume, which offset any loss of revenue.

The original 1901 1p carmine "Commerce" (unwatermarked) was issued again in 1901 (wmk 63, soft paper), 1901 (wmk 63, hard paper), 1902 (unwmk, hard paper), and 1902 (wmk 61- illustrated above).

The Type of 1902 was redrawn in 1908 (illustrated above). The lines in the globe are now diagonal, rather than vertical.

Then in 1909, the 1p "Commerce" was redesigned with "1p" scripts on either side of the stamp. (See an example heading the "Big Blue" section.)

"Edward VII"

1909 Scott 130 1/2p yellow green , Typographed

1909 Scott 139 8p deep blue, Engraved

An "Edward VII" design was issued in 1909. Eight of the stamps are engraved, while the 1/2p yellow green was typographed.

1919 Scott 164 3p chocolate "George V"

Typographed

The 1915-22 "George V" issue is an interesting one for the WW classical collector. They come in typographic varieties and engraved varieties. (Total = 21 stamps)

The typographic variety has crossed dotted lines in the background around the vignette.

1916 Scott 160 1 1/2p gray black , Typographed, Local Printing

1916 Scott 161 1 1/2p gray black, Typographed

There are two varieties of the typographic 1 1/2p gray black. The first variety, a local printing, has a unique vignette of the king. Note the lines in the neck are diagonal rather than horizontal.

1915 Scott 154 6p carmine rose

Engraved

The engraved version has a geometric lathe work background around the vignette.

1915 Scott 152 4 1/2p dark green

Engraved

Note that the 4 1/2p script takes up more of the upper horizontal tablet than the 6p.

Although the backgrounds are different in the typographic and engraved varieties, one sometimes will need to carefully examine the background area, as the printing impression is not always clear- or obvious.

Deep Blue

1936-41 Issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 39 pages for the main categories of stamps found for New Zealand. All the major numbers have a space. In addition, there are 8 pages for postal-fiscal stamps. And then, there are 4 pages for the "Chalon Head" Queen Victoria minor number perforations/experimental separations.

1909 Scott 131 1p carmine "Commerce"

Big Blue

The '69 BB has six pages with 147 spaces. Coverage is 29%.

Observations...
• There are thirty stamps with CV $10+: four ($35-$70) of which are in the "Most Expensive Stamp" category. See the "Comments" section for details.
• The 1855-74 two pence and six pence have 13 and 9 choices for the spaces respectively. !
• The 1898-1907 stamp spaces in BB often telescopes 3-6 choices per space. The stamp issues come unwatermarked, wmk 63 and wmk 61. Don't blame me. ;-)
• I don't have  problems with BB only offering 29% coverage, as New Zealand stamps are rather expensive in general. But one major omission is the lack of spaces for the 1935 Silver Jubilee issue.

Checklist

1855-74
51,52,
Two pence illustration space*:
 2 or 8 or 12 or 17 or 22 or 26 or 28 or 28B or 28C or 32* or 43 or 46 or 48
Blank space*:
 ( 6 pence: 9 or 14 or 19 or 24 or 29 or 29B or 36* or 41 or 44)
53,55,

1882
61,62,63,64,65,66,67,

1891-95
67A*, 68,69,

1901
101 or 109, 99 or 100 or 103 or 105 or 108, (85 or 86),

1898-1907*
70 or 84 or 99B or 102 or 104 or 107,
71,72,75 or 89 or 112, 76, 78 or 92 or or 93 or 115,
79 or 94 or 116,81 or 96 or 118,
73*,74 or 88 or 111,77 or 91 or 114,80 or 95, 82 or 97 or 119,
122,123,

Next Page

1909-12
130,131*,132,133,135,
136,137,138,139,

1915-22*
144,160*,162,146,163,148,149,150,
151,152,153,154,155,157,158,159,

1919
165,166,167,169,168,

1919
170,

1921-22
174,

1923
175,

1925
179,180,

1926
184,182,

Next Page

1935*
185 or 203,186 or 186A or 204,187 or 205, 188 or 206, 190 or 208, 195* or 213, 196 or 214,
191 or 209, 194 or 212, 193 or 211, 189 or 207,192 or 210,

1936
218,219,220,221,

1937
223,224,225,

1938*
226,227,228,

1940
229,230,231,232,
234,235,237,236,

Next Page

1940
232,
238,241,239,
240,

Next Page

Official Stamps
1907
O23,(O24),(O25),

1910
O33,O34,

1915-19
O41, O42 or O43, (O45),

Life Insurance Department
1913-32
OY10, OY12 or OY13 or OY14, OY16, (OY19),

War Tax Stamp
1915
MR1,

Newspaper Stamp
1873-92
P1 or P3 or P4,

Postage Due Stamps
1900
J1,J2,J3,J4,

1902-28
J12 or J13 or J16, J17,J18,J19,

Air Post Stamps
1931
C1,C2,C3,C4,

1935
C5,C7,C8,

Next Page

Semi-postal Stamps
1930
B2,

1934
B7,

1938
B13,

1932-33
B5,B6,

1936
B9,B10,

1935
B8,

1936
B11,

1937
B12,

1939
B14,B15,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1864 Scott 32 2p blue ($20+)
1864 Scott 36 6p red brown ($30+)
1874 Scott 53 3p brown ($70)
1874 Scott 55 6p blue ($10+)
1882 Scott 66 8p blue ($60)
1882 Scott 67 1sh red brown ($10+)
1891 Scott 69 5p olive gray ($20+)
1901 Scott 101 ($20)
1898 Scott 76 4p rose ($20+)
1902 Scott 116 8p deep blue ($10+)
1902 Scott 118 1sh scarlet ($10+)
1898 Scott 73 2 1/2p blue (Wakitipu) ($10+)
1899 Scott 91 5p red brown ($10)
1902 Scott 119 2sh blue green ($50)
1906 Scott 122 1/2p emerald ($20+)
1906 Scott 123 1p vermilion ($20)
1912 Scott 135 4p yellow ($10+)
1920 Scott 169 6p purple ($10+)
1920 Scott 168 3p black brown ($10+)
1920 Scott 170 1sh vermilion ($20+)
1926 Scott 182 2sh blue ($35)
1928 Scott J19 3p green & rose ($20+)
1931 Scott C1 3p chocolate ($20+)
1931 Scott C2 4p dark violet ($20+)
1931 Scott C3 7p orange ($20+)
1931 Scott C4 5p on 3p yellow green ($20+)
1930 Scott B2 1p + 1p scarlet ($30)
1934 Scott B7 1p + 1p dark carmine ($10+)
1932 Scott B5 1p + 1p carmine ($20+)
1933 Scott B6 1p + 1p carmine ($10+)
B) * Two pence illustration space- 13 choices!- *32 least expensive ($20+)
C) *Blank space: (6 pence)- 9 choices!-*36 least expensive ($30+)
D) (    ) around a number indicates a blank space choice
E) *67A- there is also a 86C (1900) not eligible in BB because of dates
F) *1898-1907 A mess. Three watermark types ( unwmk, wmk 61,wmk 63) are crammed into the spaces.
G) *73- 2 1/2p blue (Wakitpu) illustration, but not Scott 74 2 1/2p blue (Wakatipu) stamp($10)
H) *131 1p carmine- not eligible 1925 Scott 177
I) *1915-22- mixture of typographic and engraved specimens.
J) *160 is a local printing 1/2p - the illustration rules out 161 or 145
K) *1935- choices 1935 wmk 61 vs 1936-41 wmk 263
L) *195 or 213- 1941 Scott 244 or 245 not eligible
M) *1938- not eligible 226B or 228B- '41 issues

1923 Scott 175 1p carmine rose

"Map of New Zealand"

Out of the Blue

One of the more interesting countries for the WW classical collector, it deserves some effort. I, for one, need to increase my holdings for this fascinating country.

Note: Map and pics appear to be in the public domain.

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New South Wales

1882-91 Scott 63 3p green "Victoria"

Quick History
The HMS Endeavour and Captain James Cook sailed into Botany Bay (now part of southern Sydney) in 1770, and so named the area "New South Wales". The First Fleet of eleven vessels with 192 women and 586 men convicts arrived in 1788 to establish a convict settlement under Arthur Phillip, first Governor of New South Wales. By 1892, 4312 "professional criminals", 766 of them women, had landed at "Sydney Cove". Few had the skills needed to establish a colony. But today's Australian accent derives from the original cockney English spoken by the convicts. And survive they did- eventually forming Australia as we know it today.

The discovery of gold near Bathurst in 1851 brought in 100,000 more people for a total population of 300,000 in New South Wales in 1857. Stamps were introduced in 1850. "Responsible Government" was established in 1856.

In 1901, New South Wales joined with the other colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia.

New South Wales between Victoria and Queensland 

I should say something about the rivalry of Sydney and New South Wales with Victoria and Melbourne during the latter 19th century. The cultural differences exist even today, as was clear on our extended trip to Australia several years ago. Sydney- bold, brash, outgoing, sunny & surfers. Melbourne- cultured, cafes, much more "English".

What Australians have in common, though, is their love of sports. I became introduced to "Australian Rules Football" while staying with an Australian family, with whom we had become friends, when they lived in the U.S.. They were supporters of the Sydney Swans- even though they lived in Melbourne. It turns out that the Sydney Swans moved from Melbourne many years ago, but loyalty is forever. ;-)

1882-91 Scott 62 2p blue

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for New South Wales 1850-1907, 198 major numbers. I should point out, though, that there are many more minor numbers based on different color, paper, perforations and dies. No doubt the "New South Wales" specialist parses the stamps quite finely, and, probably, the Stanley Gibbons would be a more appropriate catalogue.

Of the 198 major numbers, 31 are CV <$1-$5, or 16%. None of the first 50 Scott numbers (1850-1867) are under $5. Clearly, New South Wales is quite popular with collectors, and the high prices reflect that reality.

Let's do a brief description of the earlier issues.

The first stamps, the so called "Sydney Views" were locally produced in 1850-51. Scott has them with 10 major numbers, but then adds some 79 minor number for color changes, plate differences, and paper differences. CV ranges from $240-$17,000. This is clearly the playground of the well off specialist.

The next issues produced from 1851-55, eleven major numbers, show the Queen with a laurel wreath in her hair. ( The French Emperor Napoleon III tried that on stamps between 1863-70, and that didn't work out so well for the monarchy. ;-)  CV is $50+-$700+.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
12 Pence = 1 Shilling
20 Shillings = 1 Pound

1877 Scott 58 8p yellow

Wmk 54 - "Small Crown and NSW"

In 1854-55, large square stamps of the queen were produced framed with hexagons and octagons. (This design was variously issued through 1882: an example, an 1877 version, is shown here.) The some 30 major number "Queen Victoria " stamps produced between 1854-1867 have a variety of watermarks: Wmks 49,50,51,52,53. Consult Scott for details.

Between 1871-84, a nine stamp Perf 13 issue with wmk 54 was produced with a more reasonable CV of $1+-$30. The 8p yellow above is a member of that group.

1882-91 Scott 61 1p red

Wmk 55- "Large Crown and NSW"

The eight stamps 1882-91 issue was basically identical to the 1871-84 issue, but now in Perf 11 X 12 and wmk 55. Well, what about the watermarks?

Top row: Wmk 54 "Small Crown and NSW"

Bottom Left: Wmk 55 "Large Crown and NSW"

Bottom Right: Wmk 12 "Crown and Single-lined A"

Shown above are the watermarks for the stamps illustrated for this blog post. Note the smaller vs larger crown difference for wmk 54 vs wmk 55. And wmk 12 has a single lined "A".

1882-91 Scott 66 6p lilac

I should mention that the 1882-91 eight stamp issue also has numerous minor number perforation varieties. I counted 47! The CV for the issue is <$1-$20+.

1888 Scott 78 2p blue "Emu"

For the centenary of the first British settlement in New South Wales, a "One Hundred Years" inscribed six stamp issue was released. Each has a different design. Many consider these to be the first NSW commemorative stamps issued.

The Emu, native to Australia, is the second largest bird now in existence after its cousin, the Ostrich.

Distribution of the Emu in Australia

We found on our visit to Australia that the Emu was a common sight in Nature preserves outside of Canberra.

1889 Scott 82 1sh maroon "Kangaroo"

The iconic "Kangaroo" was featured on the 1 shilling stamp. When we would go to the parks or outskirts of Canberra at dusk, they would be as numerous as deer in Minnesota. And when those big brown eyes looked at you, well, it became quite difficult indeed to order 'Roo at the restaurants. ;-)

1891 Scott 92 1/2p on 1p gray

1892-97 Scott 95 1/2p slate

A 1/2p surcharged stamp was issued in 1891, with a 1/2p stamp then issued as shown in 1892.

1897 Scott 98 1p rose red "Seal", Die II

1897 Scott 98e 1p rose red "seal", Die I

For Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, a three stamp issue was produced.

The 1p rose red is found with two Dies. (Enlarge the image for examination.)
º The first pearl on the upper right of the crown is circular in Die II, while it merges into the arch below for Die I.
º The vertical shading under the fleur-de-lis is clear in Die II, while indistinct with Die I.
º The "S" in "Wales" is less open in Die II compared to Die I.

Since both Die types are inexpensive (CV <$1), you may very well have both Die types in an accumulation.

1897 Scott 99 2p deep blue "Victoria"

1899 Scott 103 2p ultramarine

Included in the Jubilee issue was, naturally, a portrait of the Queen. A deep blue color was issued in 1897, while an ultramarine color is found for the 1899 stamp.

1897 Scott 100 2 1/2p deep purple

1899 Scott 104 2 1/2p dark blue

A deep purple was issued in 1897, while a dark blue color was produced for the 1899 2 1/2p Victoria.

Honestly, not the most flattering portrait.

The deep purple actually is found with two Die types. One can have 16 radiating lines in the star on the Queen's breast (Die II- illustrated here), or 12 radiating lines (Die I). 

1888 Scott 79 4p brown "Captain Cook"

1899 Scott 104B 4p orange brown

The "Captain Cook" design from the 1888 "One Hundred Years" issue is found in a brown color, while the 1899 reissued stamp is an orange brown.

1905-06 Scott 109 1/2p blue green, Die II

1905-06 Scott 109a 1/2p blue green, Die I

The 1905-06 1/2p blue green also has two Dies. (Enlarge for examination.)  Die II has a wide "H" in "Half", while Die I has a narrow "H". As they are both inexpensive ($1), check your collection for both types.

Postage Due 1891-92 Scott J2 1p green

Looking remarkably like the U.S. postage due design (Coincidence? I think not ;-), ten stamps were issued for that purpose in 1891-92.

Official 1888-89 Scott O27 6p carmine "Victoria and Coat of Arms"

Finally, many Officials were issued (40 major numbers) from 1879-1894 by overprinting "O S" on the stamp. Here a 6p carmine from the "One Hundred Years" issue is shown.

Deep Blue

1888-89 Issue Stamps in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 14 pages for New South Wales, and includes spaces for all the major numbers. If one was collecting in depth, especially the earlier issues with their numerous variations, the Steiner would need to be heavily supplemented.

1882-91 Scott 68 1sh black

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, has 1 1/2 pages for New South Wales, and 52 spaces. The other 1/2 page has space for Nossi Be and Nova Scotia. The pages are located after New Hebrides, and before New Zealand.

Coverage is 26%.

There are 18 stamps crossing the $10 CV threshold, with three in the "Most expensive" category ($37+-$50). See the listing in the comments section after the checklist.

If one examines the checklist, one will note there are often a LOT of choices for each space. Some are in the CV "hundreds" range, but for completeness sake, all are included. ;-) I did pick out the least expensive stamp if all the choices are CV $10+, and listed that choice in the comments section.

Have fun!

Checklist

1851-55
10 or 12 or 13 or 23, (24),

1854-91 (Perf or Imperf)
26 or 38 or 56 or 65, 27 or 39 or 40,

1856-63 (Perf or Imperf)
32 or 35, (36),

1862-91
45 or 47 or 52 or 61 or 70, 46 or 48 or 53 or 62 or 71,
 54 or 63, 50 or 55 or 64, 57 or 66, 60 or 68,

1888-1906
77,78,79 or 104B or 113, 80 or 105, 81 or 106C or 115 or 127,
82 or 118 or 130,

1890-91
92,89,

1892-1906
95,102 or 109 or 121, 98 or 110 or 122,
99 or 103 or 111 or 123, 106 or 114 or 126,

1897-1906
96,
(Two blank spaces: two choices for the other choices not taken 1897-1906 issues),
97 or 117 or 129, 107,
100, 108 or 128, 104 or 112 or 124,

Next Page

Postage Due
1892-94
J1,J2,J3,J4,J5,J6,(J7),

Official Stamps
1879-81*
O1 or O12, O2 or O13, O5 or O15, O7 or O17, O10 or O19,

1889
O24,O25,O26,O27,O29,

1891-93
 O38, O35,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1854 Scott 23 1p orange ($50)
1854 (Scott 24) 2p blue ($20+)
1882 Scott 65 5p dark blue green ($10+)
1860 Scott 40 6p violet ($10+)
1860 Scott 35 1p red ($10+)
1860 (Scott 36) 2p blue ($20+)
1876 Scott 60 1sh black ($10+)
1891 Scott 92 1/2p on 1p gray ($10+)
1897 Scott 96 9p on 10p red brown ($10+)
1903 Scott 107 2sh6p blue green ($37+)
1891 Scott J5 4p green ($10)
1891 Scott J6 6p green ($10+)
1891 Scott J7 8p green ($37+)
1881 Scott O17 6p lilac ($10)
1879 Scott O10 1sh black ($10+)
1888 Scott O27 6p carmine ($10+)
1892 Scott O38 1/2p gray ($10+)
1891 Scott O35 2 1/2p ultramarine ($10+)
B) (   ) around a number indicates a blank space choice
C) *1879-81- choices  wmk 54 vs wmk 55

1890 Scott 89 2 1/2p ultramarine "Australia"

Out of the Blue

Back in the 1980s, when I rekindled my interest in stamps for awhile, I thought about specializing in the Australian British Crown Colonies. I still believe it would be a great choice. ;-)

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

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