King George V Stamps

The reign of King George V (1910–1936) is often referred to as the "golden era" of British philately. King George V stamps are renowned for their diverse designs, significant issues, and the introduction of new printing techniques. Collectors highly value these stamps for their historical importance and the variety they offer, making them a cornerstone of any serious collection.

Types of King George V Stamps

The types of King George V stamps are varied and include several notable issues. Early in his reign, the Downey Head design was introduced, named after the photographer W. & D. Downey, whose portrait of the king was used. The Postmaster General rushed for the stamps to be ready for Coronation Day, meaning the King was not best pleased with the result. This was followed by the Mackennal designs, which featured a more regal and dignified image of the king and became a standard. The King had insisted on abandoning the Downey design in favour of the Mackennal profile. The era also saw the introduction of the iconic Seahorse stamps, considered some of the most beautifully designed British stamps ever produced.

Collecting George V stamps is a rewarding endeavour due to the range of issues and the innovation in design and printing techniques. Collectors often seek out watermark varieties along with the range of printing methods used, often directly influenced by the King himself.

Rare George V Stamps

The Rare George V stamps include some of the most coveted pieces in philatelic collections. The Seahorse stamps, particularly those with watermark errors, and the PUC £1 stamp are considered treasures. The British Empire Exhibition stamps are among the most collectible from this period, marking the beginning of the Commemorative stamp era that we live in today.