Introduction
The year 1970 marked a significant milestone in Fiji’s postal history as the country celebrated the centenary of its first postage stamps, issued in 1870. To commemorate this event, a special set of three postage stamps was released on November 2, 1970. These stamps paid tribute to Fiji’s early postal system and its evolution over the years.
The Fiji Stamp Centenary Issue features designs that honour the country’s postal legacy, including its first postage stamps, the Fiji Times Express stamps, and modern postal infrastructure. These commemorative stamps are popular among philatelists for their historical value, unique designs, and rich backstory.
The 1970 Stamp Centenary Issue: A Closer Look
This commemorative set includes three distinct designs that highlight different aspects of Fiji’s postal history:
- 4c Stamp – Features the Fiji Times Express stamps from 1870, showcasing the 1d and 6d issues. These were among the first stamps used in Fiji before the establishment of an official postal system.
- 20c Stamp – Depicts a modern General Post Office (GPO) building in Fiji, symbolizing the growth and modernization of the country’s postal system.
- 15c Stamp – A collage featuring various Fijian stamps from different eras, illustrating the evolution of stamp designs in the country.
These stamps were designed by V. Whiteley and printed using photo-lithography. The stamps are multi-coloured and have a watermark W 12 (sideways on the 15c value). Their perforation sizes vary, with the 15c stamp featuring 14½ x 14 perforations.
Historical Background: The Fiji Times Express Stamps
The Fiji Times Express stamps, issued in 1870, were the first postage stamps used in Fiji. They were privately produced by the Fiji Times newspaper, as no formal postal service existed at that time.
These stamps were basic in design, featuring simple text: “Fiji Times Express”, along with the denomination in pence. They were printed locally and issued in denominations of 1 penny, 3 pence, 6 pence, and 1 shilling. Due to their crude production methods, variations exist, making them highly collectible today.
Collectability and Market Value
These 1970 centenary issue stamps are widely collected due to their historical significance. The market values vary based on condition:
- 4c Stamp – Mint: 15c | Used: 10c
- 20c Stamp – Mint: 40c | Used: 15c
- 15c Stamp (Fijian Stamps Collage) – Mint: 40c | Used: 15c
- Complete Set – Mint: 85c | Used: 35c
- Errors (Inverted Watermark on the 15c Stamp) – Mint: £100
Forgery and Authenticity
While forgeries are rare for these modern commemorative stamps, collectors should examine watermark positioning and printing quality to ensure authenticity, particularly for the 15c stamp with watermark W 12.
Conclusion
The 1970 Fiji Stamp Centenary Issue is a fitting tribute to Fiji’s rich postal history. These stamps not only commemorate the early postage system but also serve as valuable collectibles for philatelists.