Hong Kong – Scott # 74, used

Description

Hong Kong Scott #74 (issued 1903) is the 5-cent orange and green King Edward VII definitive from the ornate De La Rue “Crown and Scroll” issue. This beautiful bi-colored design features the finely engraved left-facing portrait of King Edward VII set within a bold, rectangular frame adorned with imperial motifs. The frame includes “HONG KONG” at the top, “FIVE CENTS” at the bottom, and Chinese inscriptions “五先” (“five cents”) and “香港” (“Hong Kong”) along the sides.

This used example displays a crisp circular date cancellation with vibrant, contrasting colors — the orange frame and pale green vignette remain bright and clear. Issued during the early years of Edward VII’s reign, these stamps represented both the prestige of the British Empire and Hong Kong’s growing role as a commercial hub in Asia. A fine, attractive addition to any British Commonwealth or Hong Kong classic collection, valued for its color combination and clean impression.