In many ways Newfoundland is a most exciting philatelic area. Some of the classic issues are rarities (many have unfortunately been forged). Later issues frequently have most interesting designs featuring Newfoundland’s history, natural surroundings and economic activities. The colony’s strong ties with Great Britain and its royal family are also reflected on numerous stamps.

Let’s start with Newfoundland’s very first 12-cent stamp. During the 1860s, this particular denomination covered the letter rate to the British Isles and it was thus a stamp which was heavily used. The first 12-cent stamp was released in November 1865 and it replaced the previously used 6 pence stamp which roughly corresponded to 12 cents. The printing comprised l 00.000 copies.

The design of the red brown stamp is of course Queen Victoria within a decorative frame. It really is a very handsome stamp.

The stamp was printed by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The same company had also printed Nova Scotia’s first stamps with denominations in cents issued in 1860 (1, 2 and 5 cents). A close study of the design reveals that the printers made use of the Nova Scotia engraving of the Queen’s portrait for the Newfoundland issue. The only difference is the frame.

The 1865 stamp was printed on very thin yellowish paper. Towards the end of the 1860s, almost the entire printing had been used up. In 1870 there was a new printing in chestnut of the 12-cent and this time on a thicker white paper.

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The 1865 printing of the 12c stamp is quite scarce today. Misidentified copies certainly reside in many collections. The 1865 stamp is particularly rare in mint condition.

On 1 January 1873, the rate for letters to the British Isles was reduced to 6 cents and the need for a 12-cent stamp was from then on very limited. The Newfoundland Post Office did not withdraw the stamp but continued to sell it to mainly stamp collectors. By 1890 the value was almost completely sold out.

In spite of the fact that there was absolutely no postal need for a 12c denomination, the postal officials decided to order a new printing of the stamp in 1894. The order was for 100.000 copies. This time the stamp was produced in a dark brown shade. The idea was of course to continue the profitable stamp sales to the philatelic community.

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Many reacted angrily to this exploitation of the world’s stamp collectors. The Newfoundland Post Office made a lot of money from the sale of this and other older stamps. In 1897, Newfoundland issued a set of 14 stamps marking John Cabot’s discovery of the island in 1497. Many collectors were outraged and the colony’s government had to resign. As a consequence of all the objections, the Post Office completely changed its policies regarding the sale of older stamps. It was decided to destroy all obsolete and unnecessary stamp stocks. Almost 70,000 copies of the 1894 reprint of the 12-cent stamp were burnt. It has been estimated that only some 30,000 copies of the 1894 reprint were sold.

Interestingly enough a number of forgers have devoted their attentions to the 12-cent stamp. One forgery was made by the Spiro Brothers of Hamburg and another one by Fournier of Geneva. The forgeries all have guide lines between the stamps. These do not exist on the originals.

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There are some rather interesting observations to be made regarding the 1897 Cabot issue. The 2-cent stamp is supposed to depict John Cabot. However, there is much to suggest that it is based on Holbein’s portrait of his son Sebastian.

Also Cabot’s ship on the 10-cent stamp is rather doubtful to say the least. According to the description on the stamp it is Cabot’s ship Matthew. But exactly the same ship appears on the 3-cent value of the US 1893 Columbian issue. Here it is described at Columbus’ flagship.

As can be seen from the above the postal officials in St John’s (Newfoundland’s capital) were not overly particular about what they were selling to us stamp collectors. But today, some 120 years later, it is perhaps time to forget about these violations of philatelic ethics and instead enjoy these exciting and attractive stamps.