Great Britain Scott #58, 1870 Queen Victoria ½d rose-red “Bantam

Great Britain 1870 Queen Victoria ½d Rose “Bantam” – Scott #58 – Heavily Cancelled Victorian Stamp

An original Victorian Great Britain ½d rose Queen Victoria postage stamp, commonly known to collectors as the “Bantam” because of its unusually small size. First issued in 1870, this was Britain's first halfpenny postage stamp.

This example has a particularly bold and unusual black cancellation/marking, including a large “258” across the face. The exact origin and significance of this marking has not been confirmed and is therefore offered as shown rather than attributed to a particular post office.

Condition: Well-used and distressed condition, with very heavy cancellation obscuring much of the original Queen Victoria design. The stamp shows pronounced toning and discoloration, worn and irregular perforations with losses along the edges, surface wear, and age-related soiling. The reverse is heavily toned and shows evidence consistent with previous mounting/use. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Despite its condition, it is an interesting surviving example of Britain's diminutive Victorian ½d “Bantam”, particularly for collectors interested in early British postal history, cancellations and well-traveled stamps.