Description: This sharply detailed slate-green official service stamp from India features the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. The central sculpture is depicted with its proud, outward-facing lions sitting atop an abacus adorned with a relief of the Ashoka Chakra wheel. Framed by ornate vertical borders of stylized floral patterns, the top of the stamp reads "SERVICE" and "POSTAGE" to indicate governmental or state use. The lower corners exhibit the "1 N.P." face value in western numbers alongside its Hindi translation in Devanagari script, anchored by the country's name "INDIA" printed across the bottom margin. A dark, circular postal cancellation mark punches through the lower left corner to confirm its authorized historical usage.
Circa: 1957-1964
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
The initials "N.P." on the face stand for Naye Paise (New Paise), a designation created on April 1, 1957, to help citizens differentiate the newly decimalized currency from the older, pre-decimal copper paise coins.