The Story of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps
Welcome to the fascinating world of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps, a treasure trove of postal heritage and a philatelic legend. These stamps hold a significant place in the history of philately, captivating collectors and enthusiasts with their rarity and stories. Let’s delve into the captivating history of these iconic stamps and explore their enduring allure.
Key Takeaways:
- The Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps are the first postage stamps of the Kingdom of Hawaii, issued in 1851.
- They are known as the “Missionaries” because they were primarily used by missionaries in the Hawaiian Islands.
- These stamps are extremely rare and highly valued in the world of philately.
- Their historical significance and captivating stories make them an enduring fascination for collectors and stamp enthusiasts.
- Stay tuned to discover more about the background, issuance, rarity, controversies, and ongoing debates surrounding the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps.
Background of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps
Before the issuance of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps, mail to and from Hawaii was carried by ship captains on an ad hoc basis. However, as the California Gold Rush and settlement of California increased mail volume, the Hawaiian government took steps to establish a reliable postal system. In 1849, the first postmaster, Henry Martyn Whitney, printed stamps for the new postal rates using the printing press of The Polynesian, a weekly government newspaper.
The California Gold Rush brought an influx of people to the western coast of the United States, leading to increased trade and communication. As a result, the demand for postage in Hawaii grew, prompting the government to formalize the postal service. The introduction of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps marked a significant milestone in the development of Hawaii’s postal infrastructure.
The innovative approach of issuing stamps allowed for more efficient and organized mail delivery. The unique design and denominations of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps catered to different mail categories, such as newspapers and regular mail to the US. These early stamps played a crucial role in connecting the islands of Hawaii with the rest of the world.
Stay tuned for the next section, where we will explore the issuance of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps in more detail, including their first print run, denominations, design, and paper quality.
Issuance of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps
The Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps were made available for purchase on October 1, 1851, marking the beginning of their journey through postal history. These unique stamps were issued in three denominations, catering to various mailing needs. The first print run included:
- 2 cents for newspapers bound for the United States,
- 5 cents for regular mail sent to the United States, and
- 13 cents for mail destined for the East Coast of the United States.
The design of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps was characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The stamps featured a central numeral framed by a standard printer’s ornament, adding a touch of sophistication. Printed in blue ink, these stamps stood out among other postage options of the time.
Notably, the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps were printed on pelure paper, which contributed to their delicate nature. Pelure paper, known for its thin and fragile quality, enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the stamps. However, this unique paper composition also made the stamps susceptible to damage and limited their durability.
Although these stamps hold a significant place in philatelic history, only a small number have survived over the years. The majority of the remaining stamps exhibit signs of wear and tear, further increasing their rarity and value.
Rarity and Value of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps
The Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps are renowned for their rarity and hold a significant place in the world of philately. With only about 200 surviving stamps, their scarcity adds to their allure and value. Among these, 28 are unused, while 32 have been collected on cover.
Of all the denominations, the 2-cent stamp is the rarest, with only 15 known examples in existence. Astonishingly, just one of these 2-cent stamps remains unused, making it an exceptional rarity among rarities.
The estimated value of an unused 2-cent Hawaiian Missionaries Stamp stands at around £450,000, reflecting its tremendous desirability among collectors. Even a used 2-cent stamp is highly valued, with an estimated worth of approximately £225,000.
To put it simply, the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps exemplify the epitome of rarity and continue to fascinate stamp enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Notable Stories and Lore Surrounding the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps
The Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps have been the center of attention in various notable stories throughout history. One particular story involves Gaston Leroux, a renowned philatelist and owner of one of these rare stamps. In 1892, Leroux met a tragic fate when he was murdered by another philatelist named Hector Giroux. The motive behind the crime was the envy Giroux felt towards Leroux’s possession of the valuable stamp. This murder for a stamp shocked the philatelic community and added an air of intrigue and mystique to the already rare Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps.
The stamps also made their mark in the world of cinema. In the 1963 movie “Charade,” starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps made a memorable appearance. Interestingly, a 3 cent Missionary stamp was used in the movie to represent the rarer 2-cent value. This artistic liberty taken by the filmmakers showcases the iconic status of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps and their ability to captivate even outside the realm of philately.
The Dawson Cover – The Most Valuable Missionary Item
The most valuable item related to the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps is the Dawson cover. This cover is a testament to the unique use of the 2-cent stamp and stands as one of the highest-priced philatelic items in history.
The Dawson cover was sent to New York City and is the only known example of the 2-cent stamp being used on cover, accompanied by other stamps. Throughout its history, the cover has passed through several hands, each recognizing its significance and contributing to its increasing value.
In 2013, the Dawson cover was sold at auction for a staggering $2.24 million. This record-breaking price emphasizes the rarities and desirability of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps, especially when combined with the historical significance of the unique use of the 2-cent stamp on the Dawson cover.
The Controversy of the Grinnell Missionaries
The Grinnell Missionaries have been at the center of a long-standing controversy surrounding their authenticity. Discovered in 1920 and sold to collectors, including Alfred H. Caspary, these stamps were eventually deemed to be forgeries in a court case in 1922.
The authenticity of the Grinnell Missionaries has been a subject of debate in the philatelic community. Supporters and detractors have presented arguments based on printing techniques and ink composition.
Ongoing Debates and Research on the Grinnell Missionaries
The authenticity of the Grinnell Missionaries stamps has been a subject of ongoing debate and research within the philatelic community. In 2006, the Grinnell family released a report presenting evidence to support their claim that the stamps are genuine. This report highlighted typographical differences, the composition of paper and ink, as well as the historical context as factors to be considered in determining authenticity.
However, the Royal Philatelic Society London declared the Grinnell Missionaries stamps as counterfeits. They based their conclusion on their own analysis and expertise within the field of philately. The conflicting opinions and findings have further intensified the controversy, leaving the authenticity of the Grinnell Missionaries stamps unresolved.
Despite ongoing research and scientific analysis, philatelic experts remain divided in their opinions regarding the authenticity of these stamps. The conflicting views and lack of consensus contribute to the enduring fascination with the Grinnell Missionaries stamps among collectors and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps hold tremendous significance in the world of philately. These rare and valuable stamps have not only become a symbol of postal heritage but also a philatelic legend. From their humble beginnings as stamps primarily used by missionaries in the Hawaiian Islands, they have become highly sought after by collectors and stamp enthusiasts worldwide.
Their rarity adds to their allure, with only a limited number of surviving stamps in existence. Each stamp tells a story, carrying with it the weight of history and the intrigue of its journey. The continued fascination with the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps is a testament to their enduring value and cultural significance.
Whether it is the historical context that surrounds these stamps, the controversies they have sparked, or the sheer fascination of owning a piece of postal history, the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps continue to captivate collectors. The ongoing debates and research on the authenticity of the Grinnell Missionaries only add to the mystique of these iconic stamps. They remain a source of curiosity, interest, and awe for philatelists and stamp enthusiasts around the world.
In conclusion, the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps represent more than just pieces of paper with iconic designs. They are a tangible connection to a bygone era, a testament to human creativity and ingenuity, and a reminder of the significance of our postal heritage. Their continuing fascination is a result of their historical importance, their rarity, and the stories that accompany them. The legacy of the Hawaiian Missionaries Stamps will continue to inspire and intrigue collectors for generations to come.
