Description: This high-value definitive stamp showcases a majestic, engraved view of Caernarvon Castle in Wales, set against a rich carmine-red background. To the right, the classic Dorothy Wilding portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the George IV State Diadem, gazes past the fortress. The castle view is artfully framed by a rustic stone archway adorned with stylized foliage, merging architectural heritage with royal symbolism. The value 5/- (five shillings) appears clearly in the bottom right corner, balancing the central POSTAGE inscription. The landscape orientation and intricate engraving distinguish this high-value issue from the smaller, simpler low-value definitives of the same era.
Circa: 1955 - 1969
Condition: Used
Notes:
Designed by Lynton Lamb, the Castle series marked the very first high-value definitives of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, replacing the King George VI festival high values. A key challenge and joy for collectors is distinguishing between the three different printers—Waterlow, De La Rue, and Bradbury Wilkinson—who all produced this exact design over its lifespan. Subtle differences in the shade of red, the crispness of the impression, and the specific watermark (St. Edward's Crown versus Multiple Crowns) can significantly alter the stamp's scarcity. Caernarvon Castle itself holds deep royal significance as the traditional setting for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, a ceremony that famously took place for Prince Charles during the later years of this stamp's life.