The Fiji Times Express stamps represent one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of early postal systems. Issued by a private postal service operated by The Fiji Times in 1870, these stamps are now considered some of the rarest and most valuable issues from the Pacific region. Their simple yet elegant designs, historical significance, and rarity have made them a favorite among collectors.
This blog will provide an in-depth look at the Fiji Times Express stamps, including their background, varieties, imitations, and valuation. If you’re a collector or a philatelic historian, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of these fascinating stamps.
The Postal History of Fiji and the Birth of the Fiji Times Express Stamps
- Early mail in Fiji was primarily carried by missionaries, traders, and naval vessels. Letters were sent through Sydney, Hobart, or Auckland, but there was no formal postal service within Fiji.
- In 1852, Ratu Seru Cakobau, the self-proclaimed King of Fiji, sought to establish ties with foreign powers. He converted to Christianity and attempted to align Fiji with Great Britain.
- Internal disputes, coupled with an increase in trade, created a growing need for a structured postal system.
- The American Civil War (1861-1865) disrupted cotton production in the southern United States, leading to a boom in Fijian cotton exports. This surge in economic activity spurred demand for better postal services.
The Fiji Times and the Establishment of a Private Postal Service
- On 1 November 1870, The Fiji Times newspaper in Levuka, Ovalau introduced a private postal service to facilitate communication between businesses and individuals.
- This service was intended to operate alongside the consular post office, which had been established in 1858 and used New South Wales stamps.
- The stamps were locally printed and were used exclusively for private mail transportation.
Design and Production of the Fiji Times Express Stamps
These stamps were produced using a simple typesetting method at The Fiji Times office. Due to the lack of sophisticated printing facilities, their appearance was rudimentary compared to other colonial issues.
- Design: The stamps feature a basic frame with the words Fiji Times Express surrounding a centrally placed denomination (e.g., “1 Penny,” “3 Pence”).
- Printing Method: Typeset and printed in black ink on rose-colored paper.
- Perforation: The stamps were rouletted in the printing process, but imperforate varieties exist.
- Paper Types:
- Thin quadrillé paper (early printings)
- Thin vertically ribbed paper (later printings)
Denominations and Rarity
- The stamps were issued in several values, including 1d, 3d, 6d, 9d, and 1s.
- Some of the rarest varieties include:
- Comma after “EXPRESS”
- Imperf between pairs
- Vertically ribbed paper (1871 issues)
Varieties and Their Market Value
Collectors often seek Fiji Times Express stamps based on their variations in paper type, punctuation, and positioning of the text. Below is a breakdown of key varieties and their estimated values based on catalog listings.
Thin Quadrillé Paper (1870)
- 1d black/rose – £4,750 mint / £5,000 used
- 3d black/rose – £5,500 mint / £6,500 used
- Error: Comma after “EXPRESS” – £8,000 mint / £9,000 used
- 6d black/rose – £3,500 mint / £4,500 used
- 1s black/rose – £3,000 mint / £3,000 used
Thin Vertically Ribbed Paper (1871)
- 1d black/rose – £1,200 mint / £2,250 used
- 3d black/rose – £1,800 mint / £3,500 used
- 6d black/rose – £1,600 mint / £2,500 used
- 9d black/rose – £3,250 mint / £4,250 used
- Comma after “EXPRESS” – £4,250 mint / £5,000 used
- 1s black/rose – £1,900 mint / £2,250 used
Printing and Layout Details
Sheet Layout
- The 1d, 3d, 6d, and 9d stamps were printed in se-tenant sheets of 24 (6 rows of 4).
- The 6d values were found in the first row, followed by the 1s in the second row and the 1d in the third.
- Stamps from positions Nos. 5/9 featured three 3d impressions replaced with three 9d values.
Watermark and Paper Characteristics
- The Thin quadrillé paper featured 3.7 mm square watermarks.
- The Thin vertically ribbed paper had 1 mm vertical lines with thickened lines at 8.5 mm intervals.
- Stamps with missing thickened lines are highly sought after by collectors.
Imitations and Reprints
Due to their high value, numerous imitations of these stamps exist. There were three known sets of imitations, all produced by the proprietors of The Fiji Times for collectors.
Types of Imitations
- 1876 Issue – Printed on white wove paper with a surface that simulated vertically ribbed paper.
- 1888 Issue – Produced on thicker, mauve-colored wove paper.
- 1960s Forgeries – These were closer to the originals but differed in font size and letter spacing.
Identifying Genuine vs. Fake Stamps
- Genuine stamps have broken horizontal frame lines, while many forgeries have continuous lines.
- Original stamps feature sharp vertical frame lines, whereas fakes often appear blurred or uneven.
- Used examples of the original Fiji Times Express stamps usually bear manuscript cancellations or star cancellations from Bua.
The End of The Fiji Times Express Service
- In June 1871, King Cakobau formalized a government in Fiji, and a state-run postal system was established.
- Official postage stamps were ordered from Sydney and arrived in October 1871.
- With the introduction of government-issued stamps, The Fiji Times Express service was closed on 17 January 1872.
- The British Consular Post Office continued operations for another six months before becoming part of the formal postal system.
Final Thoughts: Why Collect the Fiji Times Express Stamps?
- Historical Significance – These stamps provide insight into the early postal history of Fiji and its transition from an informal communication network to a structured system.
- Rarity and Value – Genuine issues, especially in unused condition, command significant prices in auctions.
- Collector Appeal – Due to the numerous varieties, errors, and imitations, there is always something new to learn and collect.
If you’re fortunate enough to own an original Fiji Times Express stamp, it is a true gem in the world of philately. If you’re looking to acquire one, ensure that you authenticate it properly before making a purchase.