Hong Kong – Scott # 55, used

Description

Hong Kong Scott #55 (issued 1882) is the $1 on 96¢ gray Queen Victoria surcharged issue, part of the transitional De La Rue keyplate series for British Hong Kong. This overprinted high-denomination stamp features the classic engraved left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria, surrounded by a rectangular frame with Greek key borders and bilingual inscriptions — “HONG KONG” at top, “九十六先時” (“ninety-six cents”) at left, and “香港” (“Hong Kong”) at right. The original 96¢ gray design was surcharged with a bold black “$1” and “DOLLAR” to meet postal rate demands for heavier or overseas mail.

This used example includes a clear circular date cancellation and a perforated “perfin” (perforated initials), most likely denoting usage by a government office, shipping firm, or major trading company — a practice common in the late 19th century to prevent theft or misuse of stamps. The gray coloration remains distinct, with the overprint sharply struck. As one of the higher-value surcharges of its era, Scott #55 is a desirable addition to any British Commonwealth, Hong Kong, or perfin specialist collection, combining historical postal adaptation with commercial provenance.