What began as a simple colour adjustment turned into one of New Zealand’s most famous philatelic stories: the Maori Art stamp of 1906. Issued to commemorate a major industrial exhibition, this claret-coloured rarity owes its fame to a fascinating twist of fate. Recently celebrated with a 24kt gold replica by Antigua & Barbuda, the Maori Art stamp is a true icon of early New Zealand philately.
The Story of the Maori Art Stamp
In 1906, New Zealand issued a set of four commemorative stamps to honour the New Zealand International Exhibition held in Christchurch. Among these was the 1-penny Maori Art stamp, a beautiful design featuring Maori craftsmen at work.
However, the first printing of the stamp in a claret (dark reddish-purple) colour drew criticism from postal authorities, who felt it obscured the intricate artistic details. Consequently, the stamp was reprinted in a brighter vermilion (red orange) colour.
The drama began when one sheet of the rejected claret-coloured stamps was mistakenly sent to the exhibition and sold. A man unknowingly purchased six stamps, using them to send daily letters to his wife. Little did he know that this humble correspondence would make history.
Why is it Special?
- Colour Change Error: The claret version of the Maori Art stamp was quickly withdrawn, but the single sheet that escaped circulation became a rarity.
- Historic Context: The stamp honours Maori craftsmanship, a rich cultural tradition central to New Zealand’s heritage.
- Limited Survivors: Only three known claret-coloured stamps on envelopes remain in existence, making them highly sought after by collectors.
The unique combination of artistry, cultural significance, and human error turned the Maori Art stamp into one of New Zealand’s greatest philatelic treasures.
Current Market Value
The claret-coloured Maori Art stamp commands extraordinary value due to its rarity:
- Individual examples have fetched upwards of $30,000 to $50,000 USD at auctions.
- The surviving envelopes featuring these stamps are considered priceless pieces of philatelic history.
Collectors and historians alike treasure this stamp as a symbol of New Zealand’s cultural pride and early postal innovation.
Antigua & Barbuda’s Golden Tribute
Issued on April 4, 1986, Antigua & Barbuda’s 24kt gold replica stamp beautifully commemorates the Maori Art stamp. Accompanied by an enlarged reproduction of the original 1906 design, this tribute celebrates the craftsmanship, history, and rarity of one of New Zealand’s most storied stamps.
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