Hong Kong – Scott # 52, used

Description

Hong Kong Scott #52 (issued 1882) is a 20-cent on 30-cent green Queen Victoria surcharged stamp from the De La Rue keyplate series. This issue was created during a postal rate adjustment when existing 30¢ green stamps were overprinted with a bold black “20 CENTS” surcharge to meet new postal demands. The design retains the elegant engraved portrait of Queen Victoria facing left, enclosed within the familiar Greek key frame, with “HONG KONG” at top and bilingual inscriptions “十先” (“ten cents”) and “香港” (“Hong Kong”) along the sides.

This used example displays a clean circular date cancel, showing the overprint clearly across the lower portion of the stamp. The green color remains strong, with intact perforations and well-centered design. Surcharged issues like this one were produced in limited quantities, making them notable for both their postal and historical significance. They mark a period of fiscal adjustment and evolving communication needs in British colonial Hong Kong. A desirable acquisition for collectors of British Commonwealth surcharges or classic Hong Kong issues.