Introduction
Stamps are more than mere postal instruments; they are miniature historical documents that capture the essence of an era. Among the most prestigious and valuable stamps in the world is the King George V Red and Black stamp, originally issued by Kenya and Uganda in the early 1920s. This rare and historically significant stamp has been honoured with a 24kt gold-plated commemorative reproduction by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda in 1986.
This blog explores the historical background of the original stamp, its intended usage, its philatelic significance, and the gold reproduction that celebrates its legacy.
The Historical Background of the King George V Red and Black Stamp
The Postal System in Kenya and Uganda
During the early 20th century, Kenya and Uganda were British protectorates, governed under colonial rule. As the need for a structured postal system arose, these territories began issuing their own regional stamps, often featuring British monarchs. The King George V series was introduced in the early 1920s, with denominations that ranged from one penny to 100 pounds.
The 50-pound denomination—commonly known as the King George V Red and Black stamp—was one of the highest-value stamps ever issued in the British Empire, reflecting its intended use for high-value transactions.
Why Was the Stamp Issued?
Unlike everyday postal stamps, the King George V Red and Black was designed primarily for revenue use, meaning it was rarely used for mailing letters. Instead, it was issued for:
- Tax payments
- Government duties
- Large financial transactions
Because it had a very high face value (50 pounds), ordinary citizens and businesses had little use for it, making postally used copies extremely rare.
The Likeness of King George V
King George V (1865–1936) was the ruling monarch of the British Empire from 1910 to 1936. He was a dedicated philatelist, known for his extensive stamp collection, which later formed the foundation of the Royal Philatelic Collection. It is fitting that such a rare and valuable stamp bears his image, as he himself was deeply invested in stamp collecting, often referring to it as “the king of hobbies and the hobby of kings.”
Rarity and Philatelic Value
Factors Contributing to Its Rarity
- Limited Usage: Since the King George V Red and Black stamp was primarily used for revenue purposes, very few copies were ever used for postage.
- High Face Value: At 50 pounds, this stamp was too expensive for ordinary postal use.
- Forgery and Alterations: Over the years, many forgers attempted to remove revenue cancellations and replace them with postal marks to increase the stamp’s value.
Price Guide and Auction Values
The value of this stamp depends on several factors, including its condition, authenticity, and whether it has a legitimate postal cancellation.
- Mint condition: Valued between $40,000 – $80,000
- Used with genuine postal cancellation: $50,000 – $100,000
- Revenue-cancelled copies: $10,000 – $30,000 (lower value compared to postally used examples)
- Forged postal cancellations: Typically, worthless once identified
Collectors and philatelic experts highly prize original copies with verified provenance, making this stamp one of the most expensive British colonial issues.
The 1986 24kt Gold Commemorative Stamp by Antigua & Barbuda
Recognizing the historical and philatelic significance of the King George V Red and Black stamp, the Government of Antigua & Barbuda issued a $6 commemorative gold-plated stamp in 1986 as part of their “Rare Stamps of the World” series.
Design and Features of the Gold Stamp
- Gold-Plated Engraving: The Antigua & Barbuda version is a 24kt gold reproduction, featuring a finely detailed engraving of the original King George V Red and Black stamp.
- $6 Face Value: Unlike the original 50-pound denomination, this commemorative issue carries a face value of $6 East Caribbean Dollars (E.C.).
- Official First Day Issue: The stamp was released with an official postmark dated April 4, 1986.
- Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity: Each commemorative issue includes official government certification verifying its authenticity.
- Replica of the Original Stamp Displayed: The envelope also contains an enlarged reproduction of the Kenya & Uganda King George V 50-pound stamp.
Collectability of the Gold Reproduction
While the gold-plated version does not hold the same monetary value as the original, it remains an important philatelic collectible, especially for:
- Collectors of rare stamp reproductions
- Enthusiasts of British colonial history
- Those interested in gold-plated philately
On the collector’s market, these gold issues typically range between $50 and $300, depending on condition and whether they are part of a complete set.
The Enduring Legacy of the King George V Red and Black Stamp
The King George V Red and Black stamp is a testament to:
- The historical importance of high-value revenue stamps
- The role of British colonial postal systems in shaping global communication
- The lasting influence of King George V on the philatelic world
Its gold reproduction by Antigua & Barbuda serves as a tribute to its legacy, ensuring that even collectors who cannot obtain an original can still appreciate its historical significance.
Conclusion
The King George V Red and Black stamp is one of the most prestigious and sought-after stamps in philatelic history. With high auction values, rarity due to limited usage, and a connection to an iconic British monarch, this stamp remains a symbol of colonial postal heritage and revenue collection.
The 1986 24kt Gold Reproduction by Antigua & Barbuda allows modern collectors to own a commemorative version of this historic issue, keeping its legacy alive in the world of stamp collecting.
For philatelists, both the original and its gold counterpart represent a bridge between history, numismatics, and postal art, making them fascinating additions to any serious collection.
Do you own any rare British colonial stamps or gold-plated commemorative issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below!