We’ve already talked about the rarest stamps from Germany, France, the UK, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Vatican, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, USA, Monaco, Falkland Islands, Greece, Austria., and Luxembourg. Today we’ll take a look at the rare and most valuable Malta stamps.
The postal history of Malda dates back to 1532, during the rule of the Order of St John, when the first letter had been sent. Almost 200 years later, in 1708, the first posl office, in Valetta, was established.
"The postal service was reformed in 1798 during the French occupation of Malta, and the islands were taken over by the British in 1800. In the early 19th century, two separate post offices were established in Malta: the Island Post Office and the Packet Office, with the latter forming part of the British Post Office. Their operations were amalgamated in 1849, and British postage stamps began to be used in Malta in August 1857. Malta's first postage stamp—the Halfpenny Yellow—was issued in 1860 for use on local mail, while letters sent to foreign destinations continued to be franked with British stamps." - http://www.bolli.mt
The Halfpenny Yellow
Queen Victoria
Malta – 1860/12/01
Denomination: ½ d (Maltese penny)
the first postage stamp issued by the Crown Colony of Malta
5 Shilling Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria
Malta – 1866/01/01
Denomination: 5 s (Maltese shilling)
"In 1885, the Malta Post Office was set up and Halfpenny Yellows and British stamps were no longer valid in Malta. A set of six definitive stamps along with several types of postal stationery were issued. Malta continued to issue stamps and stationery throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. At some points from the 1880s to the 1980s, postage stamps or dual-purpose postage and revenue stamps were also valid for fiscal use, but at times separate revenue stamps were issued. Postage due stamps were issued between 1925 and the 1990s." - http://www.bolli.mt
As you could expect, the first two previously presented stamps in this article are among the most valuable Malta stamps. Still, the title of the most valuable Malta stamps goes to the stamp issued in 20th century. It’s the famous Shipwrecking of St Paul on Malta stamp.
Shipwrecking of St Paul on Malta
Malta – 1919/03/06
Denomination: 10 s (Maltese shilling)
"The 1899 ‘Shipwreck of St Paul’ design was modified in 1919 for a new 10s. (96), claimed to be Malta’s most expensive stamp (listed by Stanley Gibbons at £3250, £4750). It was reprinted in 1922 on Multiple Script CA watermarked paper along with new printings of ¼d., ½d., 1d., 2½d., 6d. and 2s. stamps." - http://www.stanleygibbons.com/
If you want to explore more about Malta stamps, please check this video:
Today we’ve seen some of the most valuable Malta stamps. Feel free to check us because more articles in this series are coming soon. While you wait for them, take a look at previous articles from this series.
UK - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable UK Stamps
France - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable French Stamps
Germany - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable German Stamps
Ireland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Irish Stamps
Belgium - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Belgium Stamps
The Netherlands - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Dutch Stamps
Australia - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Australian Stamps
Canada - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Canadian Stamps
Spain - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Spanish Stamps
Portugal - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Portuguese Stamps
Israel - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Stamps of Israel
Vatican - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Vatican Stamps
Italy - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Italian Stamps
Switzerland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Swiss Stamps
New Zealand - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable New Zealand Stamps
USA - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable U.S. Stamps
Monaco - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Monaco Stamps
Falkland Islands - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Falkland Islands Stamps
Greece - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Stamps of Greece
Austria - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Austrian Stamps
Luxembourg - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Luxembourg Stamps
