Tonga 1896 (May) 'Half Penny' on 7½d on 2d pale blue, perforations 12x11, typewritten surcharge in violet with black Tongan surcharge reading upwards, showing variety 'Stops instead of hyphens', SG37Bd.
A fine mint example with part original gum and with fresh colour. Trivial thin spot, but fine appearance.
A rare and startling printing variety.
Accompanied with a clear Brandon certificate of authenticity (2003).
Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £1,100.
Tonga became a constitutional monarchy under King George Tupou I (named after King George III), in 1875. Stamps were first issued with a King George I visage in 1886. Tonga became a British Protectorate in 1900 under a Treaty of Friendship. Tonga, however, maintained its sovereignty, and the Tongan monarchy continues to this day.
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