Hong Kong – Scott # 72, used

Description

Hong Kong Scott #72 (issued 1903) is the 2-cent green King Edward VII definitive from the elegant De La Rue “Crown and Scroll” series. This issue introduced the regal portrait of King Edward VII facing left, replacing the long-running Queen Victoria keyplate design. The intricate frame displays classic colonial styling — a crowned oval portrait surrounded by scrollwork, with “HONG KONG” at top, “TWO CENTS” at bottom, and Chinese inscriptions “貳先” (“two cents”) and “香港” (“Hong Kong”) vertically on each side.

This used example shows a neat circular date cancel with strong color retention and balanced centering. The green hue remains vibrant, and the perforations are clean and intact. Issued during the early Edwardian period, this stamp reflects the continued importance of Hong Kong as a key British trading post and postal hub in East Asia. Its refined engraving and historical relevance make it an essential addition to any Hong Kong, British Commonwealth, or early 20th-century philately collection.