Description: The 1899 Chrysanthemum definitive series was designed by Saitō Tomozō to replace the long-running "Small Coin" issues. This typographic design features a central 16-petal Chrysanthemum Seal (Kikumon), the holy emblem of the Japanese Imperial Family. The top arched banner reads "大日本帝國郵便" (Dai Nippon Teikoku Yūbin), translating to "Postal Service of the Empire of Japan". To satisfy growing national sentiment at the turn of the century, the western text identifying the country in English was removed from this series. The denomination "20 SN" is split across the lower corners, framing the central kanji text "弐拾銭" (Ni-jū Sen) which indicates the face value. The specimen shown bears a distinct, clear black domestic handstamped cancellation mark, which reads from right to left in traditional Meiji-era format.
Circa: 1899–1913
Condition: Used
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