Another stamp that has risen prodigiously in value of late years is that known as the Cape of Good Hope issue of 1861. It is known to collectors as one of the errors of 1861, for the following reason.
Just prior to the perpetration of the error, the supply of stamps issued to the colony by the Home authorities ran out, and a local printer was commissioned to produce a temporary supply.
In printing these he made a mistake, the result of which was that the 4d. and 1d. stamps were mixed up. As a consequence many of the 4d. stamps were marked 1d. by mistake, and were the same colour as that used in the former variety.
In 1863 specimens of these errors were sold at 2s. 6d. each. To-day used copies readily fetch from £60 to £70 apiece.
Mr. Phillips says he has only seen one unused copy, and that was sold for £500.
OBSOLETE CASHMERE STAMP.
An interesting specimen is the native stamp issued by the Maharajah of Cashmere in 1866. It is the rarest of native varieties, and was made by the natives of Jummoo and printed on rice paper.
It is in three values—½ anna, 1 anna, and 4 annas, all of which are rare, and worth from £30 to £60 apiece. We are able to illustrate only two of these stamps, the ½ and 1 anna values.
This stamp is now obsolete, the Government having made arrangements for the use of British stamps in Cashmere.