"The 2d. grey (S.G.57) is a dull stamp to look at, but the circumstances of its issue, and the issue of other denominations at about the same time, bear out the saying:- 'There's more behind the stamp than just the gum.' In fact this stamp is one of those which owes its existence to philatelists. At a meeting of the Kingston, Jamaica Philatological Society on 10th June, 1910, Mr. Astley Clerk pointed out that, although the late King Edward VII had reigned for nine years, there were no Jamaica stamps bearing his portrait. The meeting decided to send a petition to the Government which was signed by their Committee members and those of the Jamaica Philatelic Association. It was addressed to Sir Sydney Oliver, the Governor of Jamaica, and drew attention to the following facts:-
a. That Jamaica is without a King Edward VII stamp among her issues.
b. That her historical and philatelic succession is thereby destroyed.
c. That very shortly the present stamps of the island will have to be changed.
d. That it would be a delight not only to philatelists but all loyal inhabitants of Jamaica if the profile of our late beloved King Edward VII appeared as a lasting memorial on at least one denomination of the next issue . . ." etc.
The effort of the Jamaica philatelists was successful. On the 3rd February, 1911, the 1d. grey was issued and was the last stamp to be issued bearing the portrait of His Majesty. The stock - 242,880 stamps - was sold out in the same year. Now we have the unusual stamp issue position during the reigns of three sovereigns:-
22nd January, 1901. Queen Victoria died and King Edward VII acceded, yet from 1905-1910 the stamps of Queen Victoria continued to be issued.
6th May, 1910. King Edward VII died and King George V acceded, yet on 21st September, 1910, three more Queen Victoria stamps were issued.
22nd June, 1911. Coronation of King George V and on 3rd October, 1911, the last Queen Victoria stamp (4d. red/yellow, S.G.50) was issued.
Stamps bearing the profile of George V did not appear in Jamaica until 2nd August, 1912, when the 2d. grey, S.G.60, was placed on sale. Thus there were stamps bearing the portrait of Queen Victoria being issued for use more than ten years after her demise and a year and a half after the accession of her grandson."
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