Hong Kong – Scott # 61, used

Description

Hong Kong Scott #61 (issued 1885) is the 20-cent on 30-cent yellow-green Queen Victoria surcharged issue, part of the late 19th-century De La Rue keyplate series. This provisional stamp was created to address postal rate adjustments by applying a bold black “20 CENTS” surcharge over remaining stocks of the 30¢ yellow-green definitive. The design retains the elegant engraved left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria, surrounded by a rectangular frame with Greek key borders and bilingual inscriptions — “HONG KONG” at top, “三十先” (“thirty cents”) on the left, and “香港” (“Hong Kong”) on the right.

This used example features a full, circular cancellation dated within the period of issue. Despite light color aging common to this series, the overprint remains crisp and bold against the pale background. The 1885 surcharges were a temporary but significant solution to postage shortages, making these varieties highly collectible for their historical context and transitional importance within the colony’s postal development. A desirable piece for any Hong Kong, British Commonwealth, or surcharge issue collection.