Reissued Hawaii 1868 5¢ King Kamehameha III stamp a great buy

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

Hawaii is unique among American states, having been an independent kingdom and later a republic before becoming a United States territory and eventually a state.

Early stamps of the Kingdom of Hawaii issued during 1853-61 and depicting King Kamehameha III (Scott 5-9) are uncommon, expensive and beyond the range of many collectors.

In 1868, the 5¢ blue and the 13¢ dull rose King Kamehameha III stamps (Scott 10-11) were reissued by the postal authorities. These reissued stamps were not placed in postal use but were sold at face value at the Honolulu post office.

The Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers values the 5¢ stamp at $27.50 in unused, original gum condition. This stamp is a great buy at Scott catalog value in very fine grade and without faults. Although it is relatively common in mint, never-hinged condition, stamps in that condition bring a strong premium over catalog value.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter