2017-08-18 Fri

British Empire stamps from 1840-1940 are very popular among collectors and many of them feature fine designs, bright colours, and interesting subjects. Some collectors are interested in stamps from the complete empire while there are many who are keen on stamps specific to certain areas, colonies, omnibus issues, or time periods.

Penrhyn Island is a part of the Cook Islands. Penrhyn is Welsh for Peninsula and is known for its interesting geographical and linguistic characteristics.

The island was named after Lady Penryhn, one of the 11 ships in the First Fleet, which transported convicts to New South Wales in 1787. 101 female convicts were carried in the ships and the first horses were brought to Australia. On its way back, the ship visited Penrhyn Island in 1788, and the captain named the island after the name of his ship.

In 1888, the island became a part of Great Britain and in 1900, it became a part of New Zealand. Today, the island only has 400 people and is a self-governing island in association with New Zealand.

The first stamps for Penrhyn were issued in 1902. These were basically overprinted and surcharged stamps of New Zealand. A 2½-penny Rarotongan Chief (Te Po) stamp was issued in 1927 with the same design as that of the Cook Islands. The text reads “Penrhyn” instead of “Rarotonga. The stamp has a market value of $17.50 in unused hinged condition.