Description: This broad horizontal, monochromatic brown revenue stamp showcases a detailed left-profile portrait of a young Queen Victoria crowned within a central circular medallion. The frame is surrounded by the upper text "GOVERNMENT OF INDIA" and balanced below by a clear "THREE ANNAS" face value inscription. Flanking the royal portrait on both sides are large, ornate panels displaying the "3 Ans" face value abbreviation superimposed onto swirling, engine-turned geometric scrollwork patterns. The outer boundaries of the stamp are anchored by a repeating Greek key border pattern designed to prevent contemporary counterfeiting attempts.
Circa: 1870ish
Condition: Unused
Notes:
Part of the Queen Victoria fiscal key-type revenue series issued after Crown administration began in 1858. Under the non-decimal system (16 Annas = 1 Rupee), the Three Annas denomination represented a mid-level administrative fee. Lower anna values such as this were widely used in routine legal and financial documentation across British India. Affixed to receipts, hundis (bills of exchange), court documents, and administrative filings requiring payment of government duty.