1902 Edward VII First Definitives

1^st January 1902 King Edward VII ½d Green, 1d Red, 2½d Blue & 6d Purple with a Lewes CDS and neat handwritten address.

Whilst the ½d & 1d values are relatively easy to find, all four values on one first day cover are much harder. Reigning from 22^nd January 1901 to 1^st May 1910, King Edward VII was the first male monarch depicted on British stamps. There were twenty-four main type definitive stamps issued during his reign, the first appearing in 1902 printed by De La Rue. Collectors continue to enjoy the rich variety of beautiful shades used on Edwardian era stamps, which have made this a classic period of British philately.