Stamp collecting often celebrates literary and historical icons, and the 1970 British Virgin Islands commemorative stamp series marking the 100th anniversary of Charles Dickens‘ death is a notable example. Issued on May 4, 1970, this beautifully illustrated set honors one of England’s most beloved novelists, featuring scenes from three of his most famous works.
Designed by W.G. Brown and produced through lithography by De La Rue (D.L.R.), this issue remains a highly collectible piece of philatelic and literary history.
Historical Context: The Death Centenary of Charles Dickens (1870-1970)
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a pioneering British writer, known for his ability to bring Victorian society to life through his novels. His works, including “A Tale of Two Cities,” “Oliver Twist,” and “Great Expectations,” remain widely read today, providing a critical look at poverty, social injustice, and redemption.
To mark the centenary of his passing, the British Virgin Islands issued this three-stamp series, depicting scenes from his most famous novels. This release was part of a global tribute, as several nations issued Dickens-themed stamps in 1970.
The 1970 British Virgin Islands Dickens Stamps: Design and Features
This three-stamp set features horizontally oriented designs, each incorporating original book illustrations and a profile of Queen Elizabeth II.
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5c – “A Tale of Two Cities” A black, light rose, and grey-toned illustration depicting a well-known moment from the novel, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and redemption.
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10c – “Oliver Twist” Rendered in black, light blue, and pale green, this stamp portrays Oliver’s famous request for more food, representing the harsh realities of Victorian England’s poor.
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25c – “Great Expectations” Featuring black, light green, and pale yellow hues, this design highlights a key moment between Pip and Abel Magwitch, capturing themes of fate and personal transformation.
Each stamp bears the inscription “Centenary of Charles Dickens Death 1870-1970”, reinforcing its commemorative significance.
Printing and Perforation Details
- Printed by De La Rue, known for its high-quality lithographic production.
- Standard perforation 14, common for British overseas territories.
- Features a sideways watermark, showing the Crown positioned to the left of “CA”, when viewed from the back of the stamp.
Market Value and Collector Demand
These commemorative stamps from 1970 are highly valued by collectors, particularly those interested in literary figures and British colonial issues. The estimated value of each denomination is based on current catalog listings:
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5c “A Tale of Two Cities”. Approximately £0.30 in mint condition and £1.50 when used.
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10c “Oliver Twist”. Estimated at £0.40 mint and £1.00 used.
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25c “Great Expectations”. Valued around £0.70 mint and £2.50 used.
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Complete Set of 3, typically sold for £1.25 in mint condition and £1.50 when used.
Collectors often seek well-centered, lightly hinged copies, with first-day covers (FDCs) and presentation packs being particularly desirable.
Charles Dickens: His Legacy in Literature and Philately
A Brief Biography of Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens is regarded as one of the greatest English novelists, known for his compelling characters, social commentary, and storytelling genius. His novels often highlighted the struggles of the working class, child labor, and legal injustices.
Some of his most famous works include:
- A Tale of Two Cities (1859) – A historical novel set during the French Revolution, exploring justice, sacrifice, and redemption.
- Oliver Twist (1838) – The story of an orphan navigating the harsh realities of 19th-century London, exposing themes of poverty and exploitation.
- Great Expectations (1861) – A novel about social class, ambition, and self-discovery, following the life of Pip as he navigates Victorian society.
The 1970 British Virgin Islands stamp series beautifully encapsulates Dickens’ literary impact, ensuring his stories live on through philately.
The Legacy of the 1970 British Virgin Islands Dickens Stamps
These stamps are not just collectibles but also a tribute to one of the world’s greatest writers. Their issue by the British Virgin Islands is part of a wider celebration of Dickens’ centenary, ensuring that his literary legacy is recognized across different mediums.
For collectors of British colonial philately, literature-themed stamps, and historical commemoratives, this three-stamp series is an essential addition, preserving Dickens’ influence for future generations.