1874 Cape of Good Hope

$70.00

The first Cape of Good Hope stamps were issued in 1853, while the Cape was still a British colony. The colony continued to issue stamps until 1910, when it became part of the Union of South Africa.

The first issues in 1853 were triangular stamps — the first triangular postage stamps in the world. Thi... more

The first Cape of Good Hope stamps were issued in 1853, while the Cape was still a British colony. The colony continued to issue stamps until 1910, when it became part of the Union of South Africa.

The first issues in 1853 were triangular stamps — the first triangular postage stamps in the world. This unique shape helped illiterate postal clerks and users easily identify Cape stamps. Designs featured a seated figure of Hope, the allegorical symbol of the colony.

Standard rectangular stamps were introduced in 1864. The last Cape issues were in 1910, before becoming part of South Africa.