1898 Pictorials Official
|
|
Cat. |
Mint Unhinged |
Mint Hinged |
Fine Used |
3d |
Huias |
10a |
$225.00 |
|
$99.00 |
|
$9.00 |
|
1/- |
Kea and Kaka |
10b |
$720.00 |
|
$270.00 |
|
$45.00 |
|
2/- |
Milford Sound |
10c |
$900.00 |
|
$315.00 |
|
$225.00 |
|
5/- |
Mount Cook |
10d |
$1,125.00 |
|
$540.00 |
|
$558.00 |
|
|
|
|
Set of 4 |
10e |
$2,821.50 |
|
$1,162.80 |
|
$795.15 |
|
In January 1907, the New Zealand government decided that
all public service mail should use special stamps overprinted with the word
Official. It was not until 1913 that mint official stamps could be sold to
the public.
The threepence stamp features the Huia (Heteralocha
acutirostris), a now extinct New Zealand native bird. The Huia was prized
for its plumage, and tail feathers were used by Maori as symbols of rank
and adornment by chiefs.
The one shilling stamp features the Kea and
Kaka. The Kea (on the left) is a species of parrot found in forested and
alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the few
alpine parrots in the world. The Kea is uncommon and received full
protection in 1986. Kea are reknown for their intelligence and curiosity,
both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment and are often
described as "cheeky". The KÄkÄ (on the right) is a parrot
endemic to the forests of New Zealand and its name is the MÄori language
word for "parrot". The Kaka is closely related to the Kea but has
darker plumage.
The two shilling stamp features Milford Sound
(Piopiotahi). Milford Sound is the northenmost of a number of fjords in the
south west of New Zealand's South Island within Fiordland National
Park. It is New Zealand's most famous tourist destination and is named
after Milford Haven in Wales. Mitre Peak is shown on the right of the
stamp.
The five shilling stamp shows Mount Cook reflected in Lake
Tekapo. Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is part of
the Southern Alps - the mountain range which runs the length of the South
Island.
Bibliography
The Postage Stamps of New Zealand (Volume I)
Edited by R. J. G. Collins and H. T. M. Fathers B.A. B.Sc.
Published 1938 by The Philatelic Society of New Zealand Incorporated
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