Queen Victoria – Crown Colony

Green 4 anna stamps were issued in May 1866. These came in 2 dies, die 1 and die 2, with some subtle differences. The colour was later changed to deep green. Blue-green shades were issued in 1877. The 8 annas came in carmine colour and were printed in limited quantities. A new die for the 8 anna was prepared in 1866 and Pale Rose was issued in 1866, later reissued in Deep Rose in 1868. 

Five new values were added – 6 anna 8 pies (1867), 9 pies (1874), 1 Rupee in deep slate (1874), 6 anna in Olive bistre and pale brown (1876), and 12 anna in Venitian red (1876). For the first time, official stamps were issued with the overprint ‘Service’. These came in 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 8 annas and later on 1/2, 1 anna and 8 pies.