Tonga 1891 8d on 2d violet variety, SG6a Tonga stamps but a spectacular piece

but a spectacular piece

listed at a value of NZ $500+

Campbell Paterson catalogue number EV21a

80 carmine is a marginal example with imprint

mentioned purely for accuracy and do not detract from what is an extremely attractive positional multiple

Tonga 1891 8d on 2d violet variety, SG6a Tonga stamps but a spectacular pieceTonga 1891 (10 Nov) 8d on 2d violet, type 4 surcharge, horizontal pair, the right stamp showing variety "Short T in EIGHT", SG6a. A fine and fresh mint pair with large part original gum. Only 50 sheets were surcharged and the variety is very scarce, particularly as a pair and in such fine quality. The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is 215+. Tonga became a constitutional monarchy under King George Tupou I (named after King George III), in 1875. Stamps