SOMALILAND PROTECT - 1903 (1st June) Queen Victoria Stamps of India opt'd at top set, SG 1/13, fine mint (13 stamps)

This is the first postage stamp issue of the British Somaliland Protectorate, released on 1 June 1903. The stamps were created by overprinting contemporary British India Queen Victoria definitive stamps with the words "BRITISH SOMALILAND" at the top. The set comprises thirteen denominations ranging from ½ Anna to 5 Rupees, including the scarce high-value 2R, 3R and 5R stamps. As the inaugural issue of the protectorate, SG 1–13 occupies an important place in British Commonwealth philately and is highly sought after by collectors of British Empire, India and East Africa. Fine mint examples retaining original gum with only light hinge marks are considerably more desirable than heavily hinged or used sets.