First Issues - 1850 to 1851

page 2.5

← ↑ ↓ →

← German States →

Four of the German States issued their first stamps in 1850 and two in 1851, following Bavaria's 1849 lead. Although most German states only issued definitives, Baden issued a post due and Württemberg a commemorative overprint and an official.

Saxony	Prussia	Schleswig-Holstein	Hanover	Baden	Württemberg
[first issue 29th June 1850] West Germany Commemorative 1978 SG1872 Sc1282	15th November 1850 Friedrich WIlhelm IV SG4 Sc2	15th November 1850 SG1 Sc2	1st December 1850 SG1 Sc1	1st May 1851 SG1 Sc1	15th October 1851 SG1 Sc1

Saxony’s first design is shown on a 1978 commemorative as the stamp sells for £5,000, mint and used.

British Guiana

Between Saxony and Prussia, on 1st July 1850, came British Guiana's first issue, the 'cottonreel' type-set design.

[first issue 1st July 1850] Guyana Cottonreel commemorative 1979 SG717 Sc298	Commemorative Victoria's Jubilee Mount Roraima 1898 SG216 Sc152	Charity War Tax 1918 SG271 Sc-MR1	Post Due 1940 SG-D1a Sc-J1

Guyana first stamp 1966 SG393 Sc7 o/p SG331 Sc253	Guyana first real stamp 26th May 1966 SG408 Sc20

Famed for the prices of some of its early stamps, the first issue sells for £70,000 and is illustrated by a 1979 commemorative.

British Guiana demonstrates a popular debate between FI collectors over what constitutes a first issue. My simple preference is to spread the net as widely as possible, including changes of name. British Guiana became Guyana upon gaining independence in 1966, celebrated first as an overprint and then their first real stamp. The Scott catalogue helpfully restarts Guyana as #1.

There are some early officials: expensive, but on the wants list.

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