1951 Stamp Appraisal

1951 Canada 4-Cent Princess Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh Postage Stamp

This is a vintage Canadian postage stamp, issued in 1951, featuring dual portraits of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The stamp is predominantly purple or violet in color, with a rectangular shape and perforated edges, characteristic of postage stamps. The overall design includes ornamental borders framing the portraits. The top border prominently displays 'CANADA' and '1951' beneath it. Between the two oval-framed portraits, a stylized maple leaf, a national symbol of Canada, is visible. The left portrait depicts Princess Elizabeth, while the right portrait shows the Duke of Edinburgh. At the bottom center, the denomination '4 C' (4 Cents) is clearly visible. Along the very bottom edge, a small inscription reads 'VISIT OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH, DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH', indicating the occasion for the stamp's issuance. The left vertical border has 'POSTES' (French for 'posts' or 'mail'), and the right vertical border displays 'POSTAGE' in English. The stamp shows signs of being used, as indicated by the black wavy cancellation mark across both portraits, which typically signifies that the stamp has served its postal purpose. The paper appears slightly aged with some minor discoloration discernible around the edges, consistent with a stamp from the mid-20th century. The perforations appear largely intact, though the upper right corner seems slightly less defined or perhaps subject to minor wear. The print quality is clear and detailed for its age, showcasing good craftsmanship in its engraving or lithography.