Canada 2c Stamp - Large Queen on laid paper

The Large Queens were the first issue by the Dominion of Canada; they are so-called to distinguish them from the 1870 issues (the "Small Queens") which are similar in appearance but physically smaller. The Large Queens were normally printed on wove paper, but the 1¢, 2¢, and 3¢ values were also printed on the less-desirable laid paper. The 1¢ and 3¢ on laid paper were long-known although uncommon.

In 1925 a 2¢ green on laid paper was reported, although many authorities were dubious, and the Scott catalog did not list it until the 1930s. Bileski reported another in 1950. Both copies are used, and in "fine" condition.

Jamieson purchased the stamp in February 1993. It had been controlled by K. Bileski since he purchased it in the Reford sale in October 1950 for the then princely sum of $3,800. It was part of the Kanee collection during those 4 decades but was again in Bileski’s hands when it was sold as part of a huge collection to Vancouver dealers F.E. Eaton & Sons. Jamieson purchased it from Eaton shortly after, and a few months later sold it to a US collector for $187,500, where it has remained until now.

Mrs. Nagalakshmi Tadakaluri, Philatelist.

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